[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Pages 8728-8729]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      NORTH CAROLINA VETERANS PARK

  Mrs. HAGAN. Mr. President, it is with great pride that I recognize 
the dedication of the North Carolina Veterans Park. This park will give 
visitors the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by the 
courageous women and men of our armed services. The park and its 
beautiful visitor center, walking paths, and public art honor the lives 
and service of North Carolina veterans. As a Senator from North 
Carolina and a member of the Armed

[[Page 8729]]

Services Committee, I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the 
respect they deserve.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to have printed in the Record 
a resolution that was passed unanimously by the North Carolina House 
and North Carolina Senate. The resolution honors the dedication of the 
North Carolina Veterans Park in Fayetteville, NC.
  There being no objection, material was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

       Whereas, the citizens of North Carolina have a long and 
     proud history, dating to this country's birth, of paying 
     special honor and respect to its sons and daughters who 
     protect our country's freedoms; and
       Whereas, the lands of North Carolina and our country are 
     enjoyed by all its citizens due to the unending efforts and 
     sacrifices made by all of our veterans; and
       Whereas, North Carolina is proud to be the home to Cherry 
     Point Air Station, 8 Charlotte Air National Guard, Camp 
     Lejeune, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, Fort 
     Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, New River Air Station, and 
     Seymour Johnson Air Force Base; and
       Whereas, North Carolina is proud to call itself the most 
     military friendly state in America and, as a state, North 
     Carolina has one of the highest percentages of veterans in 
     America; and
       Whereas, July 4, 2011, will mark the dedication of the 
     North Carolina Veterans Park; and
       Whereas, the purpose of the North Carolina Veterans Park is 
     to honor all North Carolina veterans and be a composition of 
     objects, spaces, and images that symbolize gratitude, 
     reflection, celebration, and education, and commemorate 
     achievement, service, dedication, and sacrifice; and
       Whereas, the North Carolina Veterans Park is located in 
     Fayetteville, North Carolina, home of Fort Bragg and Pope Air 
     Force Base, and is adjacent to the Airborne and Special 
     Operations Museum, which is a part of the United States Army 
     Museum System, providing an exciting educational experience 
     and preserving the legend of airborne and special operation 
     forces; and
       Whereas, the North Carolina Veterans Park will consist of 
     seven water features and public art representing 
     participation of individuals from across the State; and
       Whereas, the hands of 100 veterans were cast to honor and 
     represent every county in North Carolina and are displayed in 
     this park's Wall of Oath; and
       Whereas, soil from each of the State's 100 counties will be 
     included in the construction of the columns in the park; and
       Whereas, public art sculptures in the public plaza at the 
     North Carolina Veterans Park signify our veterans' 
     commitment, courage, dedication, heroism, sacrifice, service, 
     and strength, as well as the incredible talents of our 
     State's artist; and
       Whereas, the city of Fayetteville has directed the design 
     and construction of the North Carolina Veterans Park to meet 
     or exceed all guidelines and guidance provided by a large 
     segment of the veteran population, including Content 
     Committee members from all five branches of the military 
     service;
       Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate:
       SECTION 1. The Senate joins the citizens of this State in 
     expressing its pride and gratitude to the veterans of this 
     State for their service, dedication, and sacrifice in 
     protecting the freedoms of this country and designates July 
     4, 2011, as North Carolina Veterans Park Day.''
       SECTION 2. This resolution is effective upon adoption.

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