[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 105 (Wednesday, July 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1501]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF PEARL RIVER, NEW YORK

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 23, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 125th 
anniversary of Pearl River, NY, this year. This is indeed a great 
moment for the people of this Rockland County, NY community, and I 
invite my colleagues to join with me in extending our congratulations 
to the Pearl River community on this momentous occasion.
  It was on the 11th day of January, 1872, that a post office was 
founded in Pearl River, signaling the emergence of a community in that 
area. Since then it has steadily grown to become the second largest 
hamlet in the State of New York. Pearl River might well have remained a 
small, sleepy back-woods locality, had it not been for the coming of 
the railroad, which literally opened Pearl River to the outside world, 
allowing the place, and with it the people, to grow and diversify. 
However, although many things have changed in Pearl River over the last 
125 years, one thing still remains the same: Pearl River's pride in its 
merchants and community. In 1997, a person can walk down the streets of 
Pearl River and still feel the sense of self-respect and security that 
was felt all those years ago. Indeed, Mr. Speaker, every year I look 
forward to the parade held in Pearl River on St. Patrick's day, which 
according to ``The Almanac of American Politics'' is the third largest 
St. Patrick's day parade in the world.
  A committee has been set up to oversee Pearl River's anniversary 
celebrations, in what promises to be an action-packed, fun-filled week 
of excitement and jubilation. Festivities will begin on Sunday, July 
27, 1997, with events for all age groups and interests. The calendar of 
events is filled with such diverse activities as a bicycle race, 
musical performances, slide shows, and the cutting of the 125th 
birthday cake. Celebrations will end with a parade, to be held on 
Sunday, August 3.
  Mr. Speaker, in joining the celebration on this auspicious occasion, 
I once again invite our colleagues to join with me in extending our 
greetings and congratulations, and wishing the people of Pearl River 
continued progress, growth and happiness for the next 125 years.

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