[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING WEST VIRGINIA'S HERITAGE: HOMECOMING '96

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 1996

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, not so long ago, West Virginia was known 
primarily as a mighty coal producing State fueling much of America's 
economy. Many Americans simply did not know all West Virginia had to 
offer. However, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the people of 
West Virginia, we are opening our doors to show America and the world 
what all West Virginians know; our State has much to offer.
  Since 1989, West Virginia has gone through a metamorphosis that has 
put the most beautiful butterfly to shame. We have invested $1 billion 
in computers for our classrooms, and placed them in modern schools that 
can handle the latest technology. Our roads and bridges are in the best 
shape in our history, our rural health program is considered a national 
model, and the public safety program is considered one of the best in 
the Nation.
  And, Mr. Speaker, we are proud of our accomplishments. We want all 
Americans, especially West Virginians who have left, to come home and 
take note of the progress we have made, as well as our plan for the 
future. That is why we are engaged in a statewide effort known as 
Homecoming '96.
  Homecoming '96 is a celebration of West Virginia. It's the largest 
community effort ever undertaken in our State--a celebration of our 
heritage and our future. Under the direction of steering committee 
cochairs Senator Robert C. Byrd and country music superstar Kathy 
Mattea, Homecoming '96 has many exciting statewide events planned.
  We are inviting old and new friends to return to West Virginia and 
experience the unparelled beauty and friendship we have to offer. We 
invite everyone to travel our highways and take part in our rich 
heritage.
  Mr. Speaker, there are over 300 communities in West Virginia 
participating in Homecoming '96, 78 of which are in my district. These 
communities have planned many activities for all people of all ages. 
For example, in Bluefield, the Historic Railroad Association has 
planned a train excursion in Mercer County. In Huntington, the 
celebration of the city's 125 birthday will coincide will Homecoming 
'96 activities, and in my hometown of Beckley, a Labor Day weekend 
concert will take place.
  1996 is the year the residents of West Virginia recognize each other 
for the tremendous accomplishments made in the past. We are excited to 
show the world just how beautiful the Mountain State really is. Whether 
it's skiing the white peaks or thundering down the great New River, 
West Virginia is a State with much to offer.
  Many past and current residents of the State will be sporting 
attractive Homecoming '96 pins and bumper stickers to encourage all 
Americans to join us in the most wondrous of celebrations. Many of 
these people will be more than happy to lead you where the delicious 
smell of apple butter is being made or homemade pies being cooled.
  I close by inviting my colleagues, present and past residents of West 
Virginia, as well as all Americans, to come home to West Virginia and 
join the festivities this summer.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that the names of the communities in the Third 
Congressional District participating in Homecoming '96 be entered into 
the record: Alderson, Ansted, Athens, Ballard, Barboursville, Beckley, 
Big Creek, Bluefield, Boomer, Bramwell, Brenton, Buckeye, Camden on 
Gauley, Caretta, Ceredo, Chapmanville, Crumpler, Danville, Delbarton, 
Diana/Jumbo, Durbin, Fayetteville, Fort Gay, Frankford, Gary, Gauley 
Bridge, Gilbert, Greenbrier, Greenville, Hacker Valley, Hamlin, 
Hanover, Hinton, Huntington, Itman, Jodie, Jumping Branch/Nimitz, 
Kenova, Kermit, Kopperston, Lansing, Lerona/Speedway, Lewisburg, 
Lindside, Logan, Madison, Marlinton, Matewan, Matoaka, Maxwelton, 
Meadow Bridge, Milton, Montgomery, Mullens, Nemours, Northfork, Oak 
Hill, Oakvale, Oceana, Pence Springs, Peterstown, Pineville, Pipestem, 
Princeton, Prosperity, Rainelle, Renick, Ronceverte, Smithers, Sophia, 
Spanishburg, Summerslee, Summersville, Sylvester, Talcott, Union, War, 
Webster Springs, Welch, West Logan, West Virginia State Fair, White 
Sulpher Springs, Whitesville, Williamsburg, Williamson, and Wolf Creek.

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