S5740 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 12, 2010 Shepherdstown is a dream for the writers of grave danger. What may we expect of should we recognize the dedication and those plays. Over the years, both up-and- ?’’ The Governor’s reply: bravery of Vermont’s soldiers today, coming playwrights and big names—like ‘‘Vermont will do its full duty.’’ when more than 1,500 members of the Sam Shepard and Joyce Carol Oates—have Fairbanks called a special session of are serving in premiered works there. That’s in large part due to the festival’s hard-working founder, the State legislature and told law- the war zone in Afghanistan. Approach- Ed Herendeen. Herendeen founded the fes- makers, ‘‘The govern- ing July 4th, the day which marks our tival 20 years ago in partnership with Shep- ment must be sustained and the rebel- Nation’s independence, I want to cele- herd University. That first season they did lion suppressed, at whatever cost of brate the courage of those brave men three plays and sold about 2,000 tickets. men and treasure.’’ from Vermont who fought to preserve Today, they do five professional plays and Vermonters fulfilled that pledge. the Nation in the Civil War, and the sell more than 11,000 tickets. What’s unusual During the , brave men and women who are answer- about the festival is that Herendeen says waged from July 1 to July 3, 1863, ing our Nation’s call today in the he’s never tempted to do a popular play in Vermonters fought heroically. Under ∑ order to draw more people. The audience mountains and valleys of Afghanistan. that the festival has developed really is ex- the command of GEN George Stannard, f pecting it to do new plays. Vermonters ‘‘broke the back of Pick- ett’s charge,’’ helping lead the Union TRIBUTE TO ALICE KUNDERT In addition to its first-class perform- Army to victory in the decisive battle, ∑ Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I ances, the festival offers lectures and says George Gunlock, a local historian wish to recognize the 90th birthday of discussion to enhance the audience’s in my State. Alice Kundert, a valued public servant understanding of the arts. Over the last Another Vermonter, William Wells, in my home State of South Dakota. 7 years, in partnership with the Appa- won the for leading his Alice’s public service career began lachian Education Initiative, AEI, the men in a daring cavalry charge against when she was appointed as the deputy festival has hosted the Annual Eliza- Confederate lines during the Battle of superintendent of schools in Campbell beth Francis Teacher Training Insti- Gettysburg. A statue was built in his County. She served on the town board, tute, a professional development pro- honor in both Gettysburg and in Bur- school board, and later took on the gram for high school teachers from lington’s Battery Park. Wells, who rose roles as Campbell County’s clerk of West Virginia and other States across to the rank of general, served as courts and registrar of deeds. the region. This is an opportunity to Vermont’s adjutant general after the She was convinced by a group of learn hands on from CATF’s profes- Civil War. teenagers that she counseled to run for sional theater artists. Participants are But it not so much the officers, but political office at the State level. The immersed in the art and craft of the- the brave men who served under them, first governmental office Alice held ater, gaining insight into acting, pro- that we most remember, even at this was as State Auditor for three 2-year duction, stage management, mar- historical distance. terms followed by two 4-year terms as keting, and script analysis. This year, Despite its small size, Vermont was a Secretary of State. She was appointed participants will attend every play in contributor to the . by Governor Mickelson to the Depart- the festival’s 20th anniversary season, In all, 33,200 Vermonters fought in ment of Education and Cultural Affairs and have a chance to meet and talk the war, or more than 10 percent of the which allowed her to travel the state with actors, producers, and technicians State’s population at the time. Twen- teaching children about the history of while receiving graduate level credits ty-eight thousand Vermonters served South Dakota. The last political office for their coursework. in the State militia and another 5,000 Alice held was her 1990 election as a It is hard to overstate the extraor- enlisted for Federal service during the State representative which she served dinary economic impact this festival Civil War. At the time, the State’s esti- for two 2-year terms. has on the entire region. The annual mated population was 320,000. I would like to send my heartfelt event brings people from more than 20 According to historians, nearly half congratulations to Alice on her 90th States to West Virginia to enjoy the- of the men in Vermont who were of birthday and to thank her for her years ater, immerse themselves in our com- military age signed on to serve their of dedicated public service to the State munity, and explore our beautiful nat- Nation. of South Dakota.∑ ural surroundings. And as the crowds Great sacrifice was exacted from f fill our theaters, restaurants, shops, these brave volunteers. Vermonters and hotels, their support creates em- suffered 5,194 deaths, during the Civil TRIBUTE TO PATRICIA LUTZ ployment and boosts local businesses. War, including 1,832 Vermonters killed ∑ Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I In recent years, festival goers have or mortally wounded in battle, 2,747 wish to recognize Patricia Lutz, who contributed $3.2 million to the local who died of disease or other causes and has been named the 2010 South Dakota economy with the average patron 615 who died while prisoners. More than School Bus Driver of the Year. The spending $132 on top of the price of 2,200 Vermonters were taken prisoner award is selected annually by the tickets. during the war. South Dakota School Transportation Today, I congratulate and thank The history of the Vermonters who Association. I commend Patty for her Shepherd University President Su- fought during the Civil War lives on. commitment to providing a safe and zanne Shipley, Ed Herendeen, and their The Vermont National Guard’s 86th In- nurturing environment for the young talented team for bringing such a truly fantry Brigade Combat Team, now de- people of South Dakota. outstanding theater festival to the ployed in Afghanistan, uses a famous Patty and her husband Loren live stage every year. The Contemporary line from the Civil War—‘‘Put the near Webster. She is employed by American Theater Festival in Shep- Vermonters ahead’’—as its motto Harlow’s School Bus Sales and Services herdstown is an enormous source of today. The line comes from a famous and currently drives a route for the pride for me and for every West Vir- order by Union GEN John Sedgwick. Webster School District. Patty re- ginian.∑ When the battle of Gettysburg began cently completed her 30th year of driv- f on July 1, 1863, Sedgwick’s soldiers ing a school bus. Along with Webster, were in , 35 miles from the she has also driven for the Conde, Get- TRIBUTE TO VERMONT’S battlefield. ‘‘At dusk orders came to tysburg, and Bristol School Districts. SOLDIERS move, but it was about 10 o’clock at In addition to her school bus respon- ∑ Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, as we night before the column started for sibilities, she has also served as a celebrate the 147th anniversary of the Gettysburg. It was on this occasion school librarian, substitute teacher, Battle of Gettysburg, I celebrate the that General Sedgwick issued his fa- and cheerleading advisor. contributions Vermont’s brave citizens mous order: ‘‘Put the Vermonters Patty serves as a shining example of made to keep the Union whole. ahead and keep the column well closed the outstanding faculty and staff mem- As the Civil War began, President up.’’ bers that serve school districts across Lincoln sent a message to Governor As we recognize the dedication of South Dakota. Always willing to go Erastus Fairbanks: ‘‘Washington is in Vermont’s soldiers in the Civil War, so above and beyond, Patty is committed

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