[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      VETERANS APPRECIATION CELEBRATION LEADING UP TO VETERANS DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TIM MAHONEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2008

  Mr. MAHONEY of Florida. Madam Speaker, beginning November 1st, 2008 
Charlotte County will begin a Veterans Appreciation Celebration leading 
up to Veterans Day. This celebration will honor the Veterans in our 
area who have bravely served our country. It is my honor to recognize 
and thank the Veterans who made this day possible and the community 
leaders who helped to put this wonderful celebration together. Events 
included in this 18-day celebration are:
  A Homeless Stand Down on November 1st, 2008, being hosted by the 
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition and the Charlotte County Veterans 
Service Office. The stand down will attempt to increase the community's 
awareness of homeless veterans and bring a variety of social service 
providers together to help these veterans. During the stand down, 
showers, haircuts, food and clothing will be provided for homeless 
veterans, as well as medical and counseling services.
  A Purple Heart Memorial Dedication Ceremony to honor all branches of 
service on Tamiami Trail and Cochran Blvd in Port Charlotte, Florida. 
This ceremony will take place on November 2nd, 2008.
  A Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 in Punta Gorda, 
Florida.
  Veterans Day Celebrations throughout the community on November 11th, 
2008.
  An Army/Navy youth football game at Franz Ross Park on November 16th, 
2008.
  A Veterans Appreciation Dinner hosted by the Disabled American 
Veterans on November 17th, 2008 in Punta Gorda, Florida.
  Without the service of our great Veterans, we would not be able to 
enjoy the freedoms we do today. On behalf of Florida's 16th 
Congressional District, I applaud Charlotte County in their efforts to 
honor these men and women who so bravely served our country.

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