Sam Graves

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Dakota Carson Terhune. Dakota is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 87, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Dakota has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Dakota has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Dakota has earned the rank of Firebuilder and is a member of the Lone Bear Council in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Dakota has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Dakota constructed a 24-foot gazebo with seating as part of an outdoor classroom at Parkview Elementary School in Cameron, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Dakota Carson Terhune for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America, and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph Mayne. Joseph is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 356, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Joseph has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joseph located, plotted out, and painted mile markers for every quarter-mile along a four-mile loop around Watkins Mill Lake in Watkins Mill State Park, allowing first responders to have some means of locating those in need of their help when an emergency call is made and for hikers to track their progress around the lake. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Mayne for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Richard Steven Green. Richard is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 288, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Richard has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Richard has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Richard has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Richard Steven Green for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Isaac Daniel Conner. Isaac is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Isaac has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Isaac has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Isaac has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Isaac Daniel Conner for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Earl Coday. William is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, William has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Earl Coday for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ryan Otto Bennett. Ryan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Ryan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Ryan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Ryan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ryan Otto Bennett for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Nathan Fletcher. Nathan is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 412, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Nathan has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Nathan has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Nathan has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Nathan Fletcher for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brian Joseph Keller. Brian is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 495, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Brian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brian Joseph Keller for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Austin McCoy. Austin is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 393, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Austin has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Austin has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Austin has earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say and become a Brotherhood member in the Order of the Arrow. Austin has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Austin worked with the Platte Land Trust to build a sign for their new Charlotte Sawyers Nature Area located in Parkville, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Austin McCoy for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I want to recognize today that former Congressman Petri's father, LT Thomas Evert, the pilot, and the crew of U.S. Navy Plane No. 63917 will be posthumously awarded medals for their heroic actions in the sinking of a German U-boat off the coast of the Bahamas in World War II. On August 7, 1943, U.S. Navy plane No. 63917, a U.S. Navy PB4Y Liberator Bomber of Bombing Squadron 105 (VB-105) piloted by Lt. Thomas Evert, USNR, successfully located German U-boat 84 and, after a four-and-a-half-hour engagement at close quarters in the face of hostile enemy fire, sank the submarine. Prior to this action, German U-boat 84, a type VIIB Boat, was deployed off the coast of the Bahamas and the east coast of Florida. Hundreds of Allied naval vessels as well as, over 3,000 Allied merchant vessels were destroyed resulting in the deaths of over 70,000 aviators and seamen during the Battle of the Atlantic. As with all U-boats, the presence of U-boat 84 posed a serious threat to Allied war efforts in the western hemisphere. Following their heroic efforts, Lt. Evert and his crew, as well as plane No. 63917 were reassigned to the United Kingdom. On October 22, 1943, Lt. Evert and his crew, along with the Bomber, went down after an aerial engagement with a German Blohm & Voss BV 222 Viking off the Atlantic coast of Europe. Though long-delayed, the pilot and crew of U.S. Navy plane No. 63917 will receive the following posthumous awards: LT Thomas Rudolph Evert, pilot: The Distinguished Flying Cross LT David William Emmet, co-pilot: The Air Medal ENS James O'Hara, second pilot: The Air Medal ENS Edward J. Ellis, navigator, bombardier: The Air Medal AMM1 Kendall L. Dungey, crown turret gunner: The Air Medal AMM2 Karl J. Bertram, port waist gunner: The Air Medal ARM2 John F. Wagner, radio operator: The Air Medal ARM3 James T. Goble, radio operator: The Air Medal AOM3 Raymond 0. Haines, bow lookout, bow gunner: The Air Medal AMMC3 Edwin Emery Winship, tail turret gunner: The Air Medal In April 2018, I joined former Committee on Transportation and Infrastrncture Chairman Shuster, current Chairman Defazio, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman John Garamendi, and former Congressman Frank LoBiondo in urging the Navy to approve these awards. These awards are well deserved, and I am pleased to congratulate former Congressman Petri and the families of all the crew members of the PB4Y Liberator Bomber on receiving them.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Brandon Jacob. Brandon is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Brandon has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Brandon has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Brandon has led his troop as the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Brandon has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Brandon built storage shelving for the KC Pet Project animal shelter in Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Brandon Jacob for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize William Carl Laubscher. William is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. William has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years William has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, William has led his troop as an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, become an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. William has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. William funded and mentored a First Lego League Robotics team at Crossroads Academy, a charter school in Kansas City, Missouri, building the competition practice table for student's school and the travel table for the competitions. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending William Carl Laubscher for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jeffrey Kinneer Laubscher. Jeffrey is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jeffrey has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jeffrey has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jeffrey has led his troop as the Senior Patrol Leader, become a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Jeffrey has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Jeffrey built and installed privacy screens for the portable restrooms for the NKCA Baseball Association at the A.J. Wilson Sports Complex in Kansas City, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jeffrey Kinneer Laubscher for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Colten Michael Pickeral. Colten is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 87, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Colten has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Colten has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Colten has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Colten inspected and restrung three swimming lane lines at the Cameron Aquatic Center in Cameron, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Colten Michael Pickeral for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, today I wish to recognize the American Bus Association (ABA) and its Bus Industry Safety Council or ``BISC.'' This year BISC will be celebrating its 20th anniversary as the only private motorcoach safety organization in North America. In 2000, ABA had the foresight and dedication to establish BISC for the sole purpose of enhancing the safety of commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicle operations. Initially, the group was made up of 30 passionate and dedicated bus industry safety directors but has since grown into a vital network of highway safety advocates, including members of the motorcoach industry, federal and local safety oversight and enforcement officials, research entities, and international organizations. I would like to congratulate ABA and the Bus Industry Safety Council on this auspicious occasion and recognize BISC's 20 years of commitment to improving bus and motorcoach safety. In response to the horrific events of a bus crash that claimed 23 lives just outside New Orleans on May 10, 1999, Mother's Day, and a year that saw a high-water mark of 32 motorcoach passenger fatalities, ABA supported the formation of BISC. The founding goal of the Council was, and remains today, to continually raise the level of safety in the intercity bus and motorcoach industry through collaborative efforts with industry, government officials, and other safety professionals in a workshop and educational environment. To its credit, BISC has and continues to successfully meet this goal. Through BISC's education and outreach efforts, onboard motorcoach passenger fatalities have continued to decrease since its establishment, annually providing nearly 600 million passengers with safe transportation. The BISC has played a critical role in assisting the industry to adopt safety technology and practices. Growing from that initial core of 30 founding members, BISC now counts over 400 individuals among its membership, representing every aspect of the motorcoach industry. BISC members provide expertise in areas such as security, mechanical, safety, and operational and maintenance responsibilities, with leadership from across the entire North American motorcoach industry. The group meets regularly to discuss issues and innovations in areas of safety, regulatory compliance, mechanics, technology, and passenger security, to address the transportation safety needs not only of today but for the future of the national transportation system. I would like to join with ABA and the entire motorcoach industry in saluting this safety organization. We recognize the many contributions BISC has made to highway safety and the success in bringing the traveling public safely to their destinations. Congratulations to the Bus Industry Safety Council on 20 years of dedication and commitment to bus and motorcoach safety. Keep up the good work, as we look forward to the next 20 years.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Baxter Brecht. Baxter is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Baxter has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Baxter has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Baxter has served his troop as Assistant Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow. Baxter has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Baxter built storage shelving to help preserve and inventory all of the historical displays at the Clay County Historical Society Museum in Liberty, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Baxter Brecht for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Harrison Heutinck. Harrison is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Harrison has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Harrison has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Harrison has served his troop as Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Firebuilder in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow. Harrison has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Harrison removed and rebuilt a deteriorating staircase in the basement of the Clay County Historical Society Museum in Liberty, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Harrison Heutinck for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alex Gallagher. Alex is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Alex has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Alex has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Alex has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alex Gallagher for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Jacob Bednar. Jacob is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Jacob has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Jacob has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Jacob has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Jacob Bednar for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Grant Owen. Grant is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Grant has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Grant has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Grant has served his troop as Senior Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become an Ordeal Member of the Order of the Arrow. Grant has also contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Grant built a shelter and rain barrel system over an information kiosk at Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Grant Owen for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Peyton Comstock. Peyton is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1180, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Peyton has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Peyton has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Peyton has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Peyton Comstock for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Adrian Delmar Swindle. Adrian is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Adrian has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Adrian has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Adrian has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Adrian constructed six benches for the Stations of the Cross Trail at Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist in Independence, Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Adrian Delmar Swindle for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend, Charles Smith, and to congratulate him on the completion of his term as President of the Missouri-National Education Association (MNEA) and wish him well as he enters into retirement. A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Charles taught communication arts in the Center School District of Kansas City for over three decades. Through being an active member of his church and the head of the Communication Arts Department and High School Newspaper Advisor, Charles always sought to find every opportunity to help his students and serve his community. It was this desire to serve that led Charles to seek the position of MNEA President six years ago. As President, Charles chaired the MNEA Board of Directors, served as the association's official spokesperson for the state of Missouri and represented over 35,000 members of the MNEA. Madam Speaker, dedicated and hardworking educators, such as Charles, put in an immense amount of effort to ensure our children receive the best education possible and help students realize their dreams. One thing is certain; I know that I could have never served in the halls of Congress without the help of devoted and caring teachers along the way, and Charles has certainly made a lasting impact on my career. I am grateful for his friendship and comradery over the years and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory in St. Joseph, Missouri, as it celebrates its 125th anniversary. For one hundred twenty-five years and five generations, the Meierhoffer Family has been there for people. For grieving families, for widows and children, Meierhoffer Funeral Home has been there. The Meierhoffers, with kindness, empathy and a quiet presence are able to bring calm to the chaos of raw nerves and frayed emotions. They are able to help others make peace and help families begin the process of healing from a loss. People say that having a good funeral home is like having a good lawyer. You never want to have to call them, but when you do have to make that call, you are always glad that they are there. I and all of St. Joseph, are eternally grateful that for over a century the Meierhoffer Funeral Home has been there. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing Meierhoffer Funeral Home and Crematory for one hundred twenty-five years of serving the people of St. Joseph, Missouri. I am honored to have such a long-standing family business in the Sixth Congressional District of Missouri and to represent the Meierhoffer Family in the United States Congress.

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri

Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize the City of Palmyra, Missouri, celebrating their Bicentennial this year. Settled by Mr. Benjamin Vanlandingham in 1818, the City of Palmyra was officially formed in 1819 and eventually became the county seat of Marion County. Founded on a natural rock foundation, early settlers found an endless water supply from a clear, sweet spring. Land donated by Moses and David Bates enabled the town to expand and the establishment of the first land office in Northeast Missouri helped spur westward expansion in Missouri. Many residents can trace their roots to settlers from Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee. Throughout its rich history, the City of Palmyra has been home to an all-boys college, the co-founder of the Pony Express, Broadway actress Rose Inghram and film actress Jane Darwell, academy award winner for The Grapes of Wrath. The city is also the site of the Palmyra Massacre, an event in which ten Confederate prisoners were executed as retribution for the capture of a pro-Union civilian during the Civil War. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in recognizing the rich 200-year history of the City of Palmyra. Though small in size, the City is rich in history and spirit. I join with the citizens of Palmyra in celebrating their Bicentennial. I am extremely honored to serve this great city in the United States Congress.