[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ABERDEEN, MD, VOTED AN ALL-AMERICAN CITY BY THE NATIONAL CIVIC LEAGUE

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                      HON. ROBERT L. EHRLICH, JR.

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. EHRLICH. Mr. Speaker, it is my great privilege and honor to 
recognize a quiet town in the Second Congressional District that has 
been singled out for a tremendous honor.
  The town of Aberdeen, MD, is probably best known for two things: 
being the home town of Cal Ripken, Jr., and the location of Aberdeen 
Proving Ground--one of the best military installations in the Nation. 
This summer, Aberdeen received another distinction that will bring it 
additional notoriety in the future: it was named 1 of 10 ``All-American 
Cities'' by the National Civic League.
  Each year, NCL selects 10 Americans cities for this designation. As 
you can imagine, the competition for this honor is keen, routinely 
attracting applications from cities big and small across the United 
States. In 1997, 150 cities filed applications. Of these, just 30 were 
selected as finalists. The finalists traveled to Kansas City, MO where 
they made presentations to a panel of NCL judges.
  Aberdeen was selected based upon a number of factors, particularly 
its innovative programs to help disadvantaged youth. Mayor Chuck Boutin 
and other Aberdeen city government officials are thrilled to have 
received this honor. On September 20, I had the honor of visiting 
Aberdeen and participating in a celebratory breakfast. I know the folks 
of Aberdeen will be celebrating for months to come, just the way they 
did when their town's favorite son became the ``Iron Man'' of baseball. 
I look forward to joining them in their revelry.
  Mr. Speaker, every town would like to think of itself as an ``All-
American City,'' but only a precious few have earned this designation. 
Aberdeen is one of them. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in 
congratulating the good folks of Aberdeen during this special time.

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