[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9657]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    DEDICATION OF N.C. VETERANS PARK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today citizens and communities all across 
the United States join together to celebrate our nation's 235th 
birthday. In doing so, we rejoice in the moment, reflect on the past, 
and recommit ourselves to a brighter future for our wonderful nation.
  One very special celebration is taking place today in Fayetteville, 
North Carolina, that deserves the special recognition of the U.S. 
Congress--the dedication of the North Carolina Veterans Park.
  Fayetteville, and all of North Carolina, have a long and historic 
commitment to the men and women who have protected our country's 
freedoms. 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 and opportunities for all of us.
  Embracing the military and its veterans have earned North Carolina 
the distinction as the ``most military friendly state'' and home to one 
of the largest percentages of veterans in America. Ensuring that our 
veterans' service and sacrifice are never forgotten will be the legacy 
of the North Carolina Veterans Park.
  This multi-dimensional park will capture the commitment, courage, and 
country-first attitude that shines through the veterans of our nation. 
And in doing so, it will be a legacy that generations and generations 
can learn how the actions of a few saved so many.
  I want to share the words of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, who 
once said, ``With malice toward none, with charity for all, with 
firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive 
on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to 
care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his 
orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting 
peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.''
  The North Carolina Veterans Park will be another chapter in our 
state's and nation's efforts to honor those who have served and lived 
with great distinction.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, the North Carolina Veterans Park storyline 
states:

     From the soils of North Carolina,
     You left your families and homes
     With purpose to serve your country.
     You are our veterans.
     This is your place to reflect on and
     Share your experiences.
     To feel pride in your service,
     Bond with fellow veterans, and heal.
     Here, may you find your support and inspiration
     To live your lives today.
     The people of North Carolina
     Honor your service and welcome you home.

                          ____________________