[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16814]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    COMMEMORATING THE FIRST BURIALS AT BAKERSFIELD NATIONAL CEMETARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to give tribute and honor to 
the brave men and women of Kern County who have proudly served their 
country in the United States Armed Forces. As a nation, one of our most 
vital duties is to ensure we are committed to providing for our 
military veterans. This includes providing a final resting place for 
the honored to be recognized. Thus, today, I would like to commemorate 
the first burials at the new Bakersfield National Cemetery.
  The Bakersfield National Cemetery is a 500-acre site located 
approximately 25 miles outside of Bakersfield nestled in the Tehachapi 
Mountains. Surrounded by golden scenery, crushed red rock and drought 
resistant plants, the newly developed cemetery is furnished with a 
memorial walkway, committal service shelter, internet areas and 
administrative and maintenance buildings. Upon project completion, the 
cemetery will be equipped to serve 200,000 Central California veterans, 
their spouses and children.
  The first cremation and casket burials will take place on July 1 and 
July 2, 2009, respectively. On July 1, the cremated remains of nine 
soldiers and one spouse from the Bakersfield and surrounding area will 
be lowered in unison. The casket burial ceremony on July 2 will 
commemorate the life of Iraqi veteran Army Reserve Maj. Jason E. 
George, a fallen soldier killed in action.
  ``A Place of Honor, For Those Who Served With Honor.'' These 
patriotic words to be inscribed at Bakersfield's National Cemetery 
demonstrate the overwhelming pride we have for our soldiers. Veterans 
in Kern County and surrounding areas take comfort in knowing their 
undying pledge and sacrifice to protect America's freedom is not 
forgotten. Having our own national shrine allows us to properly honor 
the fallen soldiers, veterans from generations past, and soldiers who 
are currently fighting overseas from the Kern County area.
  On behalf of our veterans, I hereby express my high admiration and 
appreciation for all those who are currently serving our nation and 
commemorate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Let today's 
ceremony be a perpetual reminder of honor for all of America's men and 
women of valor.

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