Recognizing Bank of Botetourt's 125th Anniversary
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a cornerstone of our community, the Bank of Botetourt, as they celebrate 125 years of dedicated service.
Founded as the Bank of Buchanan in 1899 and chartered by the general assembly, the institution began its journey on Main Street in Buchanan. In 1995, they changed their name to the Bank of Botetourt.
Today, they have grown into a vital part of our local economy, boasting $800 million in assets and employing 133 individuals across 13 locations.
Covering 2,500 square miles, they positively impact the lives of residents throughout Botetourt, Franklin, Roanoke, and Rockbridge Counties, as well as the city of Salem. Most recently, they have expanded their reach by establishing new offices in Rocky Mount and Goodwill's Melrose Plaza in Roanoke.
Throughout its remarkable 125-year history, the bank has been guided by seven dedicated presidents and remains one of only six Virginia State-chartered banks to have existed before the establishment of the State Corporation Commission.
Mr. Speaker, I, once again, congratulate the Bank of Botetourt for 125 years of outstanding, efficient, and courteous service to our citizens. May their success continue for many more years to come.
Recognizing Muhlenberg Lutheran Church's 175th Anniversary
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an incredible milestone for Muhlenberg Lutheran Church in Virginia's Sixth District as they celebrate their 175th anniversary this year.
Muhlenberg has come far from their humble beginnings in 1849 in downtown Harrisonburg. The first worship space was a small, wooden structure on the corner of Wolfe and Main, and the congregation boasted 50 baptized members.
The church grew in size and spirit, and after one century, Muhlenberg broke ground on its current location along East Market Street.
The new soaring spire was topped with a unique ``Gospel cross'' containing four outward-pointing arrows. The cross is a perfect representation of the church's identity as members go forth in all directions to live out Christ's love.
Muhlenberg's values can be seen in their work to establish People Helping People and Second Home to sponsor refugee families and to support numerous local nonprofits and global missions.
Muhlenberg celebrated their anniversary with a homecoming banquet complete with live music, catered lunch, the unveiling of their signature quilt, and a special program recounting memories of the many saints who have gone before them.
As they mark 175 faithful years, they look forward to many more, inviting all to gather at the wellspring of God's grace. Honoring Gold Star Mother's Day
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, this week, we honor Gold Star Mothers and the families of our fallen servicemembers.
Gold Star Mother's Day, observed on the last Sunday of September, is a tribute to the valor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our Nation and the immense pain their families endure.
The Gold Star symbol originated during World War I when families displayed blue stars for their loved ones in the military.
When a servicemember was lost, families would replace the blue star with a gold star, a poignant representation of the profound loss experienced by these families. It is a symbol of love, loss, and sacrifice.
While we may never know the exact number of Gold Star families, the national Gold Star Family Registry reports at least 472,259 fallen military members are honored by loved ones. In Virginia alone, at least 9,640 servicemembers have been recognized.
Today and every day, we remember the bravery of our fallen heroes and acknowledge the tremendous sacrifice made by their mothers, fathers, siblings, and loved ones.
Their families endured unimaginable pain, yet they show incredible resilience and strength. Their sacrifice shapes their lives and reminds us of the true cost of freedom.
As we honor Gold Star Mothers, we extend our deepest gratitude to all military families. They are the backbone of our Armed Forces, supporting their loved ones through deployments and navigating uncertainty with resilience.
As a Nation, we are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by our servicemembers and their families. Mr. Speaker, we must continue to provide support and resources to help Gold Star families heal and honor the memories of their loved ones. Recognizing Terri Tulley
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable individual from Virginia's Sixth District, Ms. Terri Tulley.
Tulley served in the United States Marine Corps from 2000 to 2003 and broke her leg while stationed in Japan in 2001. Due to complications, her leg was amputated in 2020.
Tulley went on to train for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in a variety of sports, including swimming, adaptive fitness, softball, pickleball, air rifle, and cornhole.
Tulley was one of 13 people chosen to compete in New Orleans in July on a team sent by the Veterans Affairs facility in Martinsburg, West Virginia.
She competed in 7 events and left with 1 gold medal and 2 silver medals in swimming and adaptive fitness. She also placed in the top 8 for pickleball and the top 10 for air rifle.
Her remarkable athletic accomplishments and commitment to overcoming adversity are testaments to her exceptional character. Her achievements as an athlete, veteran, wife, and mother deserve commendation.
Mr. Speaker, as we celebrate this achievement, we congratulate Terri Tulley on her remarkable feats and thank her for her service. On behalf of Virginia's Sixth District, I extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes. Honoring Leonard Kraemer
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a special person from Virginia's Sixth District, Mr. Leonard Kraemer, for his amazing service to our country.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source