[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 2 (Thursday, January 4, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE UTAH CENTENNIAL--100 YEARS OF STATEHOOD

  (Mr. HANSEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, on January 4, 1896 President Grover 
Cleveland stated:

       Now, therefore, I, Grover Cleveland, President of the 
     United States of America, in accordance with the act of 
     Congress aforesaid, and by authority thereof, announce the 
     result of said election to be as so certified, and do hereby 
     declare and proclaim that the terms and conditions prescribed 
     by the Congress of the United States to entitle the State of 
     Utah to admission into the Union, have been duly complied 
     with, and that the creation of said State and its admission 
     into the Union on an equal footing with the original States 
     is now accomplished.

  The centennial is a time to remember our roots which allows us to 
pass our heritage on to others. For nearly 50 years, Utah teetered on 
the brink of statehood. Our predecessors understood the value of 
industry and hard work. Early settlers planted crops, built roads, 
schools, mercantiles, and by 1869, hailed the linkup of the 
transcontinental railroad. Utahns have always recognized the need to be 
prudent with their resources, cherished education, and esteemed family 
and the community.
  It is a celebration not just for Utah but one for the world. Invited 
leaders from 59 nations will attend the celebration to honor the 
immigrants from their countries who helped make Utah what it is today.
  This is a moment we've all been waiting for. It is a time for 
pondering and expressing our gratitude for the wonders of the State and 
a time to ponder the past and plan for the future.
  Gov. Mike Leavitt stated, and I agree, that ``with the caliber of 
citizens in this State today, the legacy of quality that our 
predecessors worked so hard to establish will undoubtedly be carried on 
for future generations.''
  I, as well as many others, reflect upon our Utah history, and 
recognize that the struggles and sacrifices of our early settlers to 
achieve statehood have made Utah one of the most prosperous States in 
the country. I am proud to represent the great State of Utah.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope Members join with me in celebrating Utah's 100-
year birthday.

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