Independence Named as One of 18 "Preserve America Communities" by First Lady Laura Bush
INDEPENDENCE NAMED AS ONE OF 18 "PRESERVE AMERICA COMMUNITIES" BY FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH
March 9, 2006
(Washington, DC)In a ceremony held on Capitol Hill today Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States and Honorary Chair of Preserve America, announced the 18 cities designated as Preserve America Communities. Among the elite list of cities is Independence, Missouri, the only designee in Missouri and the only one in the Midwest region.
"Historic preservation has an important place in America. Preserve America promotes education, historic preservation and economic development while encouraging a greater appreciation of our national treasuresfrom monuments and buildings to landscapes and main streets. President Bush and I want every American, especially our children, to discover and learn about our nation's heritage," Mrs. Bush said.
Congressman Cleaver added, "I am so proud to recognize the great work being done by Independence, in both historic restoration and community building. The point of historic preservation is not just to keep monuments of the past around; it is to enjoy and pass on our shared story to our children. Independence is a community that has embraced its past, and used its heritage to promote its future. I applaud the City of Independence, Mayor Ron Stewart, and the volunteers who have worked so hard to preserve and share Independence's important place in American history."
"As the home of Missouri's favorite son,' President Harry S Truman, and the crossroads of westward expansion with the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails originating in Independence, our community and nation salute this designation of a treasured American city," said Cleaver.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_cleaver/IndependencePreserveAmericaCommunities.html