[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9039]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               A TRIBUTE TO NORTH CAROLINA VETERANS PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RENEE L. ELLMERS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 13, 2011

  Mrs. ELLMERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today not only to celebrate our 
nation's 235th birthday, but also to take note of another very special 
event taking place in the great state of North Carolina. Today in 
Fayetteville, NC there will be a very special celebration for the 
dedication of the North Carolina Veterans Park.
  Fayetteville, North Carolina has a rich history of supporting our 
troops and honoring those who choose to serve their country in such an 
admirable way. Across the state, our military institutions have led the 
way in protecting our country whether it be from Cherry Point Air 
Station to Charlotte Air National Guard from Camp Lejeune to U.S. Coast 
Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, from Fort Bragg and Pope Army Air 
Field to New River Air Station and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, from 
the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point to the Oak Island and 
Wrightsville Beach Coast Guard Stations. North Carolina has opened its 
hearts and hands to support those who have made so many sacrifices for 
all of us.
  Today's dedication of the Veterans Park is yet another way that North 
Carolina can show its appreciation to our men and women in uniform. 
Just as each generation has continued to protect our freedoms, this 
park exemplifies why North Carolina continues to hold the designation 
as the ``Most Military Friendly State.''
  The NC Veterans Park will be a place of remembrance, and it further 
solidifies the commitment that North Carolina and its citizens have to 
the military and to all veterans. Today, our state affirms its 
gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed in protecting the 
freedoms of this great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to offer some words from General 
Douglas MacArthur, who understood the commitment of those who choose to 
serve and the honor that they bestow upon this great nation by doing 
so.

       The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the 
     soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars 
     of war. Therefore, let no man [be] entitled to the blessings 
     of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.

  Veterans; the people of North Carolina dedicate this park in honor of 
your service. God Bless you all and may God continue to bless the 
United States of America.

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