Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-19

RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY

Context

On 2026-05-19, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY" in the House.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E467] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following proclamation on behalf of the National Garden Club, and their President Donna Donnelly of South Carolina, in honor of Memorial Day. I especially appreciate the significance of Garden Club as my mother, Wray Wilson, was an active member of the Garden Club of Charleston and was Garden Editor of The News and Courier. Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was founded upon the enduring principles of liberty, self- governance, and the inherent dignity of all people; and Whereas, for 250 years, the American nation has stood as a beacon of hope, inspiring free peoples around the world to pursue democracy, justice, and peace; and Whereas the alliance between the United States of America and the French Republic is among the oldest and most cherished in modern history, forged in the cause of independence and strengthened in the shared defense of freedom; and Whereas, during the Second World War, the soil of Normandy became hallowed ground through the courageous sacrifice of American servicemen who crossed an ocean to liberate Europe from tyranny; and Whereas, on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, including brave Americans, embarked upon the largest amphibious invasion in history, forever altering the course of the war and ensuring the restoration of liberty to the continent; and Whereas the Normandy American Cemetery stands as a solemn testament to the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service to a cause greater than themselves; and Whereas, Memorial Day in the United States is a sacred occasion to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, both at home and abroad; and Whereas the year 2026 marks the Semiquincentennial of the United States, a moment to reflect upon our shared history, reaffirm our principles, and honor the enduring bonds of friendship with our allies; Now, therefore, I, Joe Wilson, Member of Congress of the United States and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, do hereby offer this proclamation in solemn tribute: That on this hallowed ground at Omaha Beach, we honor not only the fallen heroes of June 6, 1944, but all those who have borne the burden of defending liberty across generations; That we express, with profound gratitude, the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and the people of France, whose shared sacrifices have secured peace and freedom for countless millions; That as we commemorate 250 years of American independence, we recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave souls fought and died--freedom, justice, and the unyielding pursuit of peace; And that we pledge to carry forward this sacred legacy, ensuring that the bonds of alliance between our nations remain strong, and that the sacrifices of the past shall never be forgotten. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on this Memorial Day, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty- six. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E467] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB AS IT HONORS MEMORIAL DAY ______ HON. JOE WILSON of south carolina in the house of representatives Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following proclamation on behalf of the National Garden Club, and their President Donna Donnelly of South Carolina, in honor of Memorial Day. I especially appreciate the significance of Garden Club as my mother, Wray Wilson, was an active member of the Garden Club of Charleston and was Garden Editor of The News and Courier. Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was founded upon the enduring principles of liberty, self- governance, and the inherent dignity of all people; and Whereas, for 250 years, the American nation has stood as a beacon of hope, inspiring free peoples around the world to pursue democracy, justice, and peace; and Whereas the alliance between the United States of America and the French Republic is among the oldest and most cherished in modern history, forged in the cause of independence and strengthened in the shared defense of freedom; and Whereas, during the Second World War, the soil of Normandy became hallowed ground through the courageous sacrifice of American servicemen who crossed an ocean to liberate Europe from tyranny; and Whereas, on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, including brave Americans, embarked upon the largest amphibious invasion in history, forever altering the course of the war and ensuring the restoration of liberty to the continent; and Whereas the Normandy American Cemetery stands as a solemn testament to the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of those who gave their lives in service to a cause greater than themselves; and Whereas, Memorial Day in the United States is a sacred occasion to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, both at home and abroad; and Whereas the year 2026 marks the Semiquincentennial of the United States, a moment to reflect upon our shared history, reaffirm our principles, and honor the enduring bonds of friendship with our allies; Now, therefore, I, Joe Wilson, Member of Congress of the United States and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, do hereby offer this proclamation in solemn tribute: That on this hallowed ground at Omaha Beach, we honor not only the fallen heroes of June 6, 1944, but all those who have borne the burden of defending liberty across generations; That we express, with profound gratitude, the enduring friendship between the people of the United States and the people of France, whose shared sacrifices have secured peace and freedom for countless millions; That as we commemorate 250 years of American independence, we recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave souls fought and died--freedom, justice, and the unyielding pursuit of peace; And that we pledge to carry forward this sacred legacy, ensuring that the bonds of alliance between our nations remain strong, and that the sacrifices of the past shall never be forgotten. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on this Memorial Day, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty- six. ____________________