[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         THANK YOU TERRY WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 4, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, in 1776, 13 colonies declared their 
independence to form a new nation. They put their convictions to pen 
and the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. Two 
hundred years later, we continue to celebrate the birth of our Nation. 
Parades, picnics, marching bands, and barbeques are arranged all over 
the country. However, the Fourth of July weekend would not be complete 
without fireworks.
  Terry Watson, president of the Bay City Fireworks Festival, founded 
the festival in 1983 and has contributed to a Fourth of July fireworks 
display that astounds and astonishes. Terry took a well deserved 2-year 
break from his hard work and commitment to entertaining Bay City's 
families. The festival went on without him. However, they experienced 
financial trouble. The citizens requested that Terry return to 
revitalize the festival. Terry was elected president in the fall of 
1995. Writing new bylaws and forming the board of directors, Terry 
returned full swing with his commitment to improving and refining the 
festival operations.
  Through several fundraisers, the generous support of Tom LaPorte, 
president and CEO of Mortgage America, the overwhelming support of the 
community and the dedication of Terry Watson and the volunteer board of 
directors, the Bay City Fireworks Festival, retired the nearly $120,000 
debt, and the festival continues to thrive and grow, showcasing Bay 
City and all of mid-Michigan. Plans are already under way and the work 
has begun for the 1997 Bay City Fireworks Festival. The citizens of Bay 
City can look forward to a spectacular display because Terry's motto is 
``Bigger is Better.''
  Terry is not only committed to entertaining the people of Bay City 
but, as a Bay City police officer, he has protected and served the 
citizens of Bay City for 25 years. He also served as the chairperson of 
the Fraternal Order of Police Fireworks Programs for 22 years.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in sending congratulations and thanks 
to Terry for his commitment to help fellow Michiganites celebrate our 
Nation's birthday. He has provided people of all ages enjoyment and 
awe.

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