[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17938]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMENDING THE MEDAL OF HONOR HOST CITY PROGRAM IN GAINESVILLE, TEXAS

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 1, 2008

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Medal of 
Honor (MOH) Host City Program in Gainesville, Texas. The program was 
established in 2001 to recognize the contributions of MOH recipients. 
In order to honor their accomplishments, invitations are extended to 
former MOH recipients to visit Gainesville; all their expenses are 
covered during their stay. The city has hosted more than a dozen medal 
recipients since the program's inception.
  The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor that can be 
bestowed upon a member of the United States Armed Forces for action 
against an enemy of the United States. The people of the United States 
will always be indebted to the recipients of the Medal of Honor for 
their courage, selflessness, and sacrifice.
  The first MOH recipient to visit Gainesville was Colonel Don ``Doc'' 
Ballard, a Vietnam recipient. Impressed by that 2001 visit, Ballard has 
returned each successive year. Recipient Mike Thornton, another 
Gainesville guest, was generous enough to set up a college scholarship 
fund for the local high school. As the Gainesville program has gained 
momentum, an annual, three-day celebration was established around March 
25th, Medal of Honor Day. MOH recipients have the opportunity to speak 
at local schools, play in the Host City golf tournament, and visit the 
city's historical Victorian homes.
  Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to rise today and commend this 
outstanding program. Its volunteers have shown great leadership and 
hospitality in hosting these honorable veterans. I am proud to 
represent the Medal of Honor Host City Program in the 26th District of 
Texas.

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