[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1005-E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  WEST GLENS FALLS, NY, FIRE COMPANY NO. 1 CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I have always been partial to the charm and 
character of small towns and small town people. That's why I travel 
home to my congressional district every weekend, to see the picturesque 
towns and scenery that marks the 22d district of New York. And my 
hometown of Queensbury and the Glens Falls community are certainly near 
and dear to my heart.
  The traits which make me most fond of such communities is the 
undeniable camaraderie which exists among neighbors. Looking out for 
one another and the needs of the community make such places great 
places to live and raise a family. This concept of community service is 
exemplified by the devoted service of the West Glens Falls Fire Company 
No. 1. For 50 years now, this organization has provided critical 
services for the citizens on a volunteer basis. As a former volunteer 
fireman myself, I understand, and appreciate, the commitment required 
to perform such vital public duties.
  It has become all too seldom that you see fellow citizens put 
themselves in harms way for the sake of another. While almost all 
things have changed over the years, thankfully for the residents of my 
home town, the members of West Glens Falls Fire Company No. 1 continue 
to selflessly perform their duty without remiss. I can't say enough 
about the countless lives and millions of dollars in property they

[[Page E1006]]

have saved by doing so over the course of their 50 year history.
  That's why I am so glad to have this opportunity to pay tribute to 
them today. And for that matter, the residents of their community will 
have the opportunity to show their appreciation at a parade marking 
this momentous occasion on Sunday, June 1, 1997.
  Mr. Speaker, I have always been one to judge people by how much they 
give back to their community. On that scale, the members of this fire 
company, both past and present, are truly great Americans. I am proud 
of this organization because it typifies the spirit of volunteerism 
which has been such a central part of American life. We would all do 
well to emulate the service of the men and women who comprise Fire 
Company No. 1 in West Glens Falls. To that end, it is with a sense of 
pride, Mr. Speaker, that I ask all members to join me in paying tribute 
to them on the occasion of their 50th anniversary.

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