[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11609]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEDICATION OF THE LAFAYETTE VETERANS MEMORIAL 
                                BUILDING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication 
of the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building in honor of the 
contributions and sacrifices of past, present, and future Contra Costa 
County veterans for the freedoms we enjoy in our personal lives and for 
the security we value as a nation.
  When we look around at our homes, neighborhoods, and institutions 
like our churches and schools, we see evidence of the valor and 
sacrifice of our veterans. We feel safe and protected in the ordinary 
and extraordinary activities of our daily lives because our veterans 
have made us safe. We are free to believe and speak what is in our 
hearts because veterans have fought for our freedoms to do that.
  The Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building honors the contributions of 
veterans today, on Memorial Day, and every day to come. It is a living 
memorial, created in the heart of this vibrant community at the center 
of community life. It is intended to serve veterans and their families 
throughout Contra Costa County, and it is designed to accommodate the 
broadest possible range of needs of veterans as well as those of the 
community.
  The Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building is also remarkable for being 
the collaborative achievement of Lafayette War Veterans, Inc., the City 
of Lafayette, the City of Walnut Creek, and Contra Costa County. Over a 
number of years, these project partners have come together to create 
this magnificent tribute to those who serve. They have blessed the 
community with an outstanding example of joint leadership and 
cooperative decision-making, as well as with the building itself.
  Mr. Speaker, the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Building stands as a 
fitting monument to our veterans whom we honor on Memorial Day and in 
our hearts all year long. It takes its part in our community as a 
reminder of the glories of past, present, and future veterans and of 
the work of smart, persevering, and dedicated community leaders who 
have brought their dreams to reality.

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