[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1463]]
                         A SALUTE TO SMYRNA, GA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. BOB BARR

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 1997

  Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, whenever I am introduced by anyone, 
I am most proud to be introduced as ``the Congressman from Smyrna, 
GA.''
  I am especially proud to call Smyrna, GA my home as we celebrate the 
125th anniversary of its incorporation. Pioneer settlers moved here in 
1832 and Smyrna was incorporated in 1872.
  The Smyrna of 1997--a thriving community approaching a population of 
40,000, voted recently by Atlanta magazine as one of the best 
communities in the area in which to live--is far different from the 
small Methodist campground that existed here before the War Between the 
States. It is a community with a nearly perfect balance between urban 
amenities and small-town atmosphere. It has excellent parks, government 
services, small businesses, and a history in which we can all take 
great pride. Smyrna citizens live in a community that is widely 
recognized as a clean and beautiful community, and has received 
appropriate recognition for its work in this area.
  While our small frontier village became a thriving community in the 
mid-1800's, it was sadly reduced to ashes during the Battle of Smyrna 
on July 4, 1864. Yet, true to its deeply rooted spirit of enterprise, 
Smyrna rebuilt itself and incorporated formally 125 years ago. The city 
of Smyrna--The Jonquil City--is now reaping the rewards of sound fiscal 
policies, enlightened city management and citizen involvement, and has 
developed a quality of life that is the envy of the southeastern United 
States.
  As we celebrate Smyrna's 125th birthday, I proudly salute Mayor Max 
Bacon and city council members Charlene Capilouto, Ron Newcomb, Bill 
Scoggins, Jim Hawkins, Jack Cramer, Wade Lnenicka, and Pete Woods, for 
their leadership of this great city. I am also proud to honor the 
citizens of Smyrna, with full confidence that the Smyrna of tomorrow, 
as the Smyrna of yesterday and today, will continue to be a place of 
beauty, tranquility and prosperity; a community people flock to because 
it is a wonderful and beautiful place in which to raise families, 
conduct business, and build the American dream.

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