Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank The Villages' Woodworkers Club. For over a decade, these carpenters have been working to provide their community with handcrafted toys and other wooden products, including urns for our veterans. What began as a small group of people making Christmas toys for children in Florida's Third Congressional District grew into what is now an organization of more than 1,400 people making more than 6,000 toys a year. While these woodworkers deliver Christmas joy throughout the holiday season, they also play an important role during other times of the year out of respect for our veterans in need of a dignified burial. All too often our veterans are forgotten when they return home, and this, sadly, is no different when they pass away. Inspired to provide beautifully made urns for veterans who do not have family or the financial means to afford funeral costs, our Village carpenters give veterans a beautiful--and a final--resting place. The Villages' Woodworkers Club works closely with six cemeteries in north central Florida to ensure that each cemetery always has 10 urns on hand. They have also donated 50 urns to the Missing in America Project. These patriots have selflessly given their time, expertise, and craftsmanship to ensure that our veterans are remembered and respected. I thank them for taking care of our own. We certainly are grateful for their service. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. ____________________”