Authorizing Establishment of Commemorative Work to Honor Brigadier General Francis Marion

AUTHORIZING ESTABLISHMENT OF COMMEMORATIVE WORK TO HONOR BRIGADIER GENERAL FRANCIS MARION

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Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a supporter and chief sponsor of H.R. 5057, the ``Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act.'' General Marion, more commonly known as The Swamp Fox, was a renowned patriot who represented my State of South Carolina and our fledgling Nation well with his brave service in the Revolutionary War. As a South Carolinian, I am proud his legacy has been honored with a memorial park here in Washington. This particularly is meaningful to me as General Marion and I share the heritage of French Hugenots who have contributed so much to American history. I am grateful that a statue of the Swamp Fox will be erected on its premises as an inspiration for our citizens. Passage of this bill is a crucial first step in making this dream a reality.

I would specifically like to thank Ken Driggers and Nancy Stone-Collum of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, which serves as a conduit for the fundraising part of this process. Additionally, I would like to thank the South Carolina Humanities Council for supporting John McCabe, the enthusiastic histories who originally had the vision to honor the ``Swamp Fox.'' John created the Francis Marion Park Project to assist in the fundraising and planning efforts, and I cannot be more pleased with the progress that has taken place. Also, the National Park Service deserves recognition for their guidance through this important process.

The entire South Carolina delegation, as well as Chairman RICHARD POMBO, have lent their support to this project. As such, I am confident our efforts will be successful.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

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