| Congratulating The North Catawba Fire And Rescue Department On Their 55Th Anniversary |
May 20, 2013 |
|
Mark Meadows, R-NC
|
|
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the members of the North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department as they mark their 55th anniversary. Committed and hardworking firefighters play a vital role in keeping our homes, businesses, and public places safe from the threat of deadly fires. The residents of North Catawba take comfort in knowing that these men and women are nearby in the event of an emergency. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th District of North Carolina, I congratulate the brave men and woman of North Catawba Fire and Rescue Department who are devoted to protecting lives. This sacrifice truly exemplifies the spirit of America."
|
|
| Personal Explanation |
May 20, 2013 |
|
Steve Scalise, R-LA
|
|
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today regarding my absence from the House on Friday, May 17. During this time, I was home attending my daughter’s kindergarten graduation ceremony. I would like to submit how I would have voted had I been in attendance for the following votes:"
|
|
| Congratulating Jerry Wolfe On His Designation As Beloved Man Of The Eastern Band Of Cherokee Indians |
May 20, 2013 |
|
Mark Meadows, R-NC
|
|
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cherokee Tribal Elder Jerry Wolfe, a decorated World War II D-Day veteran who was recently named a Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. This is the first time since the early 1800s that a Cherokee man has been awarded this special status. Historically, Beloved Men and Beloved Women have been revered even above Tribal Chiefs due to the strong example they set for all members of the Tribe. Mr. Wolfe joined the U.S. Navy at age 18 and devoted six years to defending his country. On D-Day, he served on a landing craft at Omaha Beach, France, and later deployed to Pearl Harbor. Assigned to the USS Missouri, Mr. Wolfe witnessed the peace treaty signed by U.S. and Japanese officials to end the Pacific theater of World War II. Mr. Wolfe currently works part-time at the Museum of the Cherokee, sharing his knowledge of Cherokee culture. His service at the museum is yet another testament to his lifelong commitment to service. Mr. Wolfe has been widely recognized for his dedication to cultural preservation. He received the North Carolina Folk Heritage Award in 2003 and the Brown-Hudson Folklore Award from the North Carolina Folklore Society in 2010. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire 11th District of North Carolina, I congratulate Mr. Wolfe on his lifetime of achievement and thank him for his service to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and to our Nation."
|
|
| Thirteen Americans Receiving Appointments To The U.S. Military Academies |
May 20, 2013 |
|
Cory Gardner, R-CO
|
|
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 13 young Americans from my district that all received appointments to the prestigious U.S. military academies. As these young men and women prepare for their graduation from high school and look forward to the opportunities and challenges that they will face in the coming years, I would like to take a moment to pause and reflect on what they have already accomplished."
|
|
| 4 Year Anniversary Of The Civil War In Sri Lanka |
May 20, 2013 |
|
Michael Honda, D-CA
|
|
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 4th anniversary of the end of the tragic civil war in Sri Lanka that has cost many lives and destroyed many futures. As Sri Lanka and its people slowly begin to return to normalcy, there is still much that the government of Sri Lanka must do to achieve true peace. While the war has ended, the conflict between its people still goes on. In particular, I am troubled that not enough progress is being made towards true political reconciliation. The deaths of thousands of civilians, on both sides, during the war must be investigated and addressed to truly begin the process of healing. In addition, it is important to recognize that the Tamils must be integrated and become full and valued citizens of the country for true reconciliation to occur; this includes preventing forced displacement and the uprooting of families and communities from their homes. The US-sponsored resolution that passed the United Nations Human Rights Council this March that urged the Sri Lankan government to credibly and independently investigate the allegations of international human rights violations is a good first step. I urge the government of Sri Lanka to work with the international community and the United Nations to adopt an international mechanism towards reconciliation for all people."
|
|