[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 30, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1561-E1563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO GORDON HEIGHTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL P. FORBES

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 1997

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Gordon 
Heights, Long Island as its residents mark the 70th anniversary of this 
community's creation this year. I ask all of my colleagues in the House 
of Representatives to join me in honoring my friends and neighbors in 
Gordon Heights, as they celebrate their community's historic 
anniversary on August 16, 1997.
  A community of caring, friendly people, Gordon Heights is a place 
where neighbors help neighbors and all residents share in the pride of 
their hometown. So much of that pride is generated by the great work of 
the Greater Gordon Heights Civic Association, who through their kind 
and caring acts have come to truly personify the selfless attitude that 
is the hallmark of small town America. Students, working mothers, 
senior citizens, children, veterans and so many others in the Gordon 
Heights community have benefited from the civic association's 
charitable efforts and educational programs.
  As the Greater Gordon Heights Civic Association has shown, a 
community's collective civic pride is manifested through the actions of 
its residents. This evidenced once again by the members of the Gordon 
Heights Volunteer Fire Department, who are celebrating the 50th 
anniversary of dedicated service to this Long Island community. 
Concerned only with saving the lives and property of their neighbors, 
and compensated only by the gratitude of those they protect, these 
volunteer firefighters answer the call for help in the dead of night, 
on brutally cold mornings and in the face of grave danger. The Bible 
teaches us that we can show no greater love than to lay down our life

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for a brother. Clearly, the members of the Gordon Heights Volunteer 
Fire Department have demonstrated the greatest love for their neighbors 
and community.
  One of the truest tests of a community's character is reflected in 
the way its children assume the responsibilities of adulthood. To gauge 
the depth of the character of this community, one need look no further 
than Gordon Heights resident Michelle Teachey, the first African-
American student to earn the privilege of being the valedictorian of 
her graduating class at Longwood High School. A volunteer with the 
Greater Gordon Heights Civic Association, Michelle Teachey has achieved 
so much through the love and guidance of her family and friends. 
Realizing her responsibilities as a role model, Michelle returns that 
support by volunteering for critical community anti-drug programs that 
provide the children of Gordon Heights with meaningful alternatives to 
the ruination of substance abuse.
  Mr. Speaker, every Gordon Heights resident, past and present, is part 
of the proud legacy of this Long Island treasure. That is why I ask my 
colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in saluting 
the people of Gordon Heights as they mark this historic anniversary. 
Congratulations.

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