Condemning Removal of Mojave Cross Memorial

Floor Speech

* Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, as has been mentioned the monument that is being debated has stood in the Mojave Desert for 75 years to honor our veterans. It stood there, that is, until the night of May 9th when vandals stole it. This memorial was a 7-foot cross that has endured much turmoil including a recent legal attempt to have the cross removed, which was turned away by the Supreme Court.

* Those responsible for the disappearance of the cross have shown disrespect for both veterans and this Nation's legal process.

* I would also like to commend the VFW for their determination in the face of this disrespectful act. They have vowed that the memorial will be rebuilt and are offering a $125,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

* President George Washington once said, ``The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were appreciated by their nation.''

* I think President Washington would agree that this appreciation includes allowing our veterans' memorials to stand in honor of them.

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