Tribute To New Veterans And Purple Heart Recipients Memorial

Floor Speech

TRIBUTE TO NEW VETERANS AND PURPLE HEART RECIPIENTS MEMORIAL -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 17, 2007)

* Mrs. CAPITO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a new memorial in my district that honors our veterans and Purple Heart recipients.

* The new memorial was unveiled July 9, 2007 at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Martinsburg, WV. The ceremony was officiated by the Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

* The Purple Heart and Veterans Memorial is 1 of 2 in West Virginia and 1 of 110 throughout the whole Nation to honor our military men and women. Former Martinsburg VA Director Fernando Rivera came up with the idea after he visited a similar memorial in the neighboring State of Maryland. The Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart worked with the VA center to build the memorial at the main entrance of the facility.

* Cy Kammeier, commander of the Martinsburg Chapter 646 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, dedicated the memorial to ``those who gave some, and for the next of kin, those who gave all.''

* As this year brings the 75th anniversary of the revival of the Purple Heart, it gives me a great privilege to recognize those who helped make this memorial a success. I am honored to serve the citizens of the Second District of West Virginia, many of whom continue to proudly represent our State in the Armed Forces. Memorials like the one in Martinsburg are a reminder of the sacrifices that so many men and women have made in order to protect our freedoms and liberties throughout our Nation's history.

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