RECOGNIZING CITY RESCUE MISSION

RECOGNIZING CITY RESCUE MISSION

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 48 (Tuesday, March 17, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2536-H2537] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING CITY RESCUE MISSION (Mr. Bean of Florida was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, what does it take to change a city? Sometimes it starts with a cup of soup. Eighty years ago, in Jacksonville, Florida, three businessmen did exactly that. They walked the streets handing out soup to men who had nowhere else to turn--no fanfare, no program, just compassion in action. From that small act in 1946 grew the City Rescue Mission, an institution that has spent eight decades restoring hope to men, women, and families facing homelessness, addiction, hunger, and hardship. What began as a small ministry has grown into a comprehensive network of services that provides emergency shelter, recovery programs, job training, medical care, and lifelong transformation for thousands of people in northeast Florida. For 80 years, the mission has reminded our community of a simple truth: The strength of a city is measured not by the buildings or the economy but by how it cares for those struggling the most. On May 7, the City Rescue Mission will celebrate--how about this, Mr. Speaker--its 80th anniversary with a dinner honoring its legacy and looking toward the future. The real story isn't the anniversary. It is the thousands of lives changed because someone cared enough to act. Mr. Speaker, may God continue to bless the men and women who have been a part of the mission and continue to this day to be a part of that mission. To think, Mr. Speaker, it all started with three people walking through the streets of Jacksonville, carrying nothing but soup. Sometimes the smallest acts of service create the biggest change. [[Page H2537]] honoring green berets Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, across the world today, brave men and women servicemembers are standing watch, protecting our freedoms, and defending the liberties we all hold dear. Among them is a group of soldiers whose mission is often carried out far away from the spotlight, and they would prefer it that way. They are known as the Quiet Professionals. They are the men and women of the United States Army Special Forces, the Green Berets. They serve in some of the most demanding environments on Earth, often behind the scenes, carrying out difficult missions that protect American interests and defend freedom for the people they probably will never meet. This April, the northeast Florida community will gather at the Jacksonville National Cemetery to unveil a memorial honoring these extraordinary soldiers. Many Green Berets from units such as the 7th Special Forces Group, who have lived, trained, served, and now, in some cases, rest there, are among the patriots who answered our Nation's call. This monument will stand as a lasting tribute to their courage, their sacrifice, and the families who carry the burdens of service alongside them. Mr. Speaker, the Green Berets live by a simple motto: De Oppresso Liber, To Free the Oppressed. They have never sought recognition, but now it is our honor to give it to them. ____________________