EC From DC - May 29, 2013

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Veterans deserve to know that no matter how much time has passed, we will not forget their service, or their sacrifice. That is the message I was honored to share this Memorial Day. Despite the thunderous rains, large crowds gathered at both the National World War I Museum at the Liberty Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans of America, Heart of America Chapter 317, observances.

Many family members came to honor their loved ones lost in battles that span various countries and decades. But all braved the weather to publicly remember the courage and spirit of service men and women who have made such sacrifice, so freedom can be enjoyed by all generations.

I always enjoy listening to the American Legion band, and watching, as we did this year, the younger folks in the audience. The participation of Boy Scouts in the ceremony at the Liberty Memorial ceremony was an inspirational reminder to me, that the service and sacrifice of so many will be remembered – and appreciated - by people of all ages.

It was a chance, as well, to share with hundreds the latest on the upcoming commemoration of the centennial of WWI. As you know, this effort has been a labor of love for me since I first entered Congress in 2005. The presentation of signed copies, from President Obama, of H.R. 6364 was a moving experience. That legislation creates a World War I Centennial Commission that will lead the planning of observances here in Kansas City and throughout the country next year. My colleagues in attendance, Senator Roy Blunt from Missouri and U.S. Representative Kevin Yoder from Kansas, both Republicans, shared in this extraordinary moment.

I am pleased to announce that the Kansas City Public Library has been awarded a $17,000 grant from the Big Read. The Big Read is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Arts Midwest. It's the brainchild of the NEA to get reading back into the lives and culture of Americans. Organizations getting grant dollars will focus on community-based programs to read, discuss, and celebrate some 30 selections of literature. Those selections include works like The Great Gatsby, A Lesson Before Dying, and True Grit.

I wanted to let you know about a very exciting road trip that starts in Kansas City and will end near my office in Washington DC. Minddrive is an incredible group of high school students and mentors. They have converted a 1967 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia into an electric car that is powered by social media. Once they get to DC, after driving from KC and stopping in Ohio and Pennsylvania, they will display their plug-in vehicle on Capitol Hill next Thursday, June 6th.

Minddrive is a non-profit organization that emphasizes experiential learning and pairs mentors with at-risk high school students. It serves students from the urban core in Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas City, Kansas, but organizers are hoping to expand into other areas across the country.

I am so inspired by this group of young people. When they get to DC, I am holding a briefing with them in hopes of helping them spread their message of dedication, hard work, and commitment to educational excellence to leaders throughout the nation.

I will most certainly update you on this trip, this event, and this organization in the days to come!

They are used by thousands of Americans every day, have been keeping us informed for some 150 years, and open the doors of knowledge and information to us on all three branches of the Federal Government. I am talking about the official publications from the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), like the Congressional Record, the Federal Register, and other documents that number in the thousands.

I wanted to pass along to you that the GPO will offer tours of its facilities again this summer. It's a chance to learn about the history, the printing crafts and the latest use of modern digital information technologies. If you'd like more information about how to schedule a tour there and see the operations for yourself, please visit my website: /.