[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 80 (Tuesday, June 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              CELEBRATING THE EDWARDS/WARD FAMILY REUNION

                                 ______


                          HON. EVA M. CLAYTON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 1996

  Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, family reunions are an important part of 
the American fabric. I recently sent a letter to Ms. Allene Farmer 
Hayes concerning the reunion her family has planned for July. Many of 
the family members live in my congressional district, and I want to 
share with my colleagues the text of my letter to Ms. Hayes.

       It is my understanding the Edwards/Ward Family will hold 
     its sixth family reunion during the weekend of July 4th, in 
     Washington, D.C.
       As you gather to celebrate, remember the ties that bind 
     you. Your theme, ``Family Matters'' is an excellent one. I am 
     convinced that you cannot move ahead in life if you do not 
     know from whence you came. All too often, we forget those who 
     came before us, their struggles, and even their achievements, 
     even though it is they who have helped mold the future of 
     those in attendance.
       This occasion at this time in our Nation's history reminds 
     us of the rewards of toil and hard work. Your family reunion 
     marks yet another step in your commitment to continue to 
     build upon a strong and solid foundation. It also reflects 
     the value of loving husbands and wives, devoted fathers and 
     mothers, attentive grandfathers and grandmothers, dutiful 
     sons and daughters and loyal uncles, aunts, cousins and other 
     family members. This reunion is but another stepping stone in 
     a brilliant path that the family has blazed, leaving a legacy 
     from which all can learn.
       At this special time, permit me to borrow from the words 
     that are found in Saint Matthew 16:18, ``And I say also unto 
     thee . . . upon this rock I will build my church; and the 
     gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'' We face 
     difficult and uncertain times as many are challenging the 
     very foundations that have made this Nation strong. It is 
     important, now more than ever, that the family stand together 
     and assert your rightful role. Ecclesiastes 4:12 is 
     instructive, ``And though a man might prevail against one who 
     is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not 
     quickly broken.'' This reunion should be a time for 
     rekindling the spirit, reigniting the energy and 
     reestablishing the unity that has made your family a pillar 
     of strength.
       I am a strong believer that family is one of the most 
     precious gifts we have; a gift that we must treasure. So, as 
     you gather together, reflect into the history of the Edwards/
     Ward Family, and learn from that history. And remember, that 
     it is the past which brought you together, but it is the 
     future generations that will keep the Edwards/Ward Family 
     together.
       Please know that as a member of the North Carolina 
     Congressional Delegation, I am proud to be of service to such 
     celebrated citizens and to have the opportunity to greet you 
     and the distinguished members of your family. May you be 
     richly blessed as you strive to perfect that which God has 
     bestowed upon you.
       Congratulations on this event. I wish for each of you many 
     years of health, happiness, and prosperity.

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