[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 26, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                WILMINGTON CELEBRATES ITS 175TH BIRTHDAY

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                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, on March 22, the Essex County Town of 
Wilmington will celebrate its 175th Birthday.
  As far as I'm concerned, Mr. Speaker, the nicest thing to happen to 
me in the 1990's is the addition of most of Essex County to the 
district I have the pleasure of representing. The town of Wilmington is 
typical of the region, one of hardy winters and friendly people. It is 
in such towns that the values and virtues that made America great have 
been developed to their fullest.
  These values and virtues include self-reliance and a spirit of 
volunteerism, which is nothing more than an instinctive response to a 
neighbor in need.
  America is not really defined by her soaring skyscrapers and 
sprawling shopping malls. She is defined by her small towns, where 
everyone knows each other like a large, extended family. It is actually 
possible to walk the streets at night in such towns.
  Everything is on a smaller scale in such towns, everything that is, 
except the geneosity and love of one's fellow man. Church steeples 
invariably pierce the horizons of such towns, reflecting the deep and 
abiding religious faith without which these values and virtues could 
not survive.
  I invite Members to visit the area some day, perhaps on your way to 
enjoy the local seasonal sports. You will enjoy as well as open 
friendliness and picturesque scenery, and finally discover why I make 
it a point to go home every weekend.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and all Members to join me in wishing the town 
of Wilmington a happy 175th birthday, and in congratulating Supervisor 
Roy C. Holzer, other town officials, and the entire populace for 
bringing the town into the 21st century without changing what is great 
about small-town American life.

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