[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10103-10104]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      IN RECOGNITION OF WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK, VINEYARD HAVEN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2014

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize War Veterans 
Memorial Park in Vineyard Haven and the generous contributions by 
residents of this Martha's Vineyard town that helped to create this 
memorial to our nation's veterans.
  Legionnaires at the General George W. Goethals Post #257 in Vineyard 
Haven wanted their memorial to be something that could be enjoyed by 
Vineyarders, and not simply observed by them. Instead of a statue or 
other traditional sculpted war memorial, these men deemed a park with 
playing fields and a playground would be a more suitable tribute to 
their brave service to America. As such, construction began on 10 acres 
of an undeveloped swamp in 1951.
  Construction on the Memorial Park engaged the Vineyard Haven 
community in a variety of fundraising events such as bean suppers, 
dances, and auctions. Over the last 8 years, many contributions by 
Islanders have made possible the leveling and developing of the Park's 
land, laying down a grass surface, and replacing over a thousand yards 
of peat with top soil.
  The War Veterans Memorial Park in Vineyard Haven will serve as a 
proactive memorial to the men of Legion Post #257 and General George W. 
Goethals himself, distinguished nationally for his role in digging the 
Panama Canal and, locally, as a member of the Martha's Vineyard 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor these veterans as well as 
recognize the vast and generous contributions by Vineyard Haven 
residents who made possible this memorial park and engaging community 
center.

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