[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 112 (Friday, July 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S9001]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 CELEBRATION OF MIAMI'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. President, it is a very special pleasure for 
me to join with my Senate colleagues and the State of Florida in 
wishing the city of Miami a very happy birthday. On Sunday, July 28, 
1996, Miami will turn 100 years old.
  I am often staggered when I ponder how much the Greater Miami area 
has changed in the last century.
  One hundred years ago, when Julia Tuttle, the mother of Miami, was 
badgering Henry Flagler to extend his railroad line south of Palm 
Beach, Miami had one city street, several uncompleted stores, a hotel 
under construction, and approximately 300 residents.
  Flagler was unconvinced. But after scores of Mrs. Tuttle's letters, 
an offering of half of her land, and a cold snap that brought freezing 
temperatures to Florida but left Dade County untouched, he was 
persuaded to extend his railroad, construct the Royal Palm Hotel, lay 
out the city streets, and build Miami's water, power, and medical 
facilities.
  In many ways, Miami today barely resembles the community that it was 
in 1896. A tiny city has been replaced by an exploding metropolis. 300 
residents have become over 2 million.
  A place that almost didn't receive the private investment needed to 
build a railroad or town stores, is now one of the nation's most 
important transportation and commercial centers.
  Each year, over 13 million visitors come to the Greater Miami area to 
visit South Beach, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Joe Robbie Stadium, 
Gulfstream Park, and the many other attractions that give Miami its 
youthful vibrance.
  But in some fundamental ways, Miami has not changed. Its pioneering 
spirit has thrived for the last 100 years.
  Just as Miami was a pioneer in diversity a century ago, when its 
founder was a woman and one-third of the citizens who met to 
incorporate the city were African-American, today it stands poised to 
lead a multicultural America into the next century.
  And as the Gateway to Latin America and an important center of trade, 
Miami will help the United States play an increasingly vital role in 
the new global economy. Miamians will lead us as we move to extend ties 
of trade, culture, and friendship around the world.
  Miami is a community that has profoundly shaped my life. I was born 
here almost 60 years ago, attended Hialeah Elementary and Junior High, 
and graduated from Miami Senior High School. This will always be my 
home.
  Again, I am delighted to be part of the centennial celebration for my 
hometown. I join my Senate colleagues and all Floridians in wishing 
Miami a very happy 100th birthday.

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