[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23472] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]SUPPORTING VETERANS IN AUBURN, WASHINGTON ______ HON. DAVID G. REICHERT of washington in the house of representatives Monday, September 29, 2008 Mr. REICHERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the city of Auburn, WA, the Auburn City Council and Mayor Pete Lewis for exemplary and steadfast support of the Washington National Guard. They demonstrated their patriotism and support for the military in their quick and sincere actions to create an event to honor the deployment of the 81st Heavy Combat Brigade of the Washington National Guard on August 19, 2008. Auburn, located in the 8th District of Washington, the District I represent, is not unlike many communities around the country where budgets are tight and funds are allocated only after careful consideration. However, in this case, Auburn and its able leadership approved, without any hesitation, city resources to secure a location and provide funds to support a family BBQ with a festival-like atmosphere for deploying Guardsmen and their families. Hundreds of Guard families and Auburn residents showed up to participate in the event and enjoy the send off activities. Auburn's action in this instance reflects a deep and great respect for service members and veterans and is the latest example of their steadfast commitment. Every November, Auburn hosts one of the largest Veterans Day parades on the west coast of the United States. Their Veterans Park is a permanent reminder of the city's dedication and affection for veterans. Under Mayor Lewis and the current City Council, Auburn is taking the lead in Washington in supporting the military and our many brave veterans and I applaud their efforts. ____________________