[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP'S BICENTENNIAL

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                          HON. MICHAEL PAPPAS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 1998

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, as the former mayor of Franklin Township, 
New, Jersey, it is my privilege to congratulate the people of Franklin 
Township as they commemorate the 200th anniversary of the incorporation 
of their community. This bicentennial year is a time for great 
celebration and reflection for the residents of historic Franklin 
Township. It is now that we especially celebrate the growth and 
prosperity of Franklin and remember its past.
  Beginning as an agriculturally based center of Dutch settlers in the 
1650's, the area has expanded its horizons in many ways over the years. 
Now a home for over 45,000 people, Franklin Township has achieved 
economic and cultural diversity; cultivating rural and suburban as well 
as industrial and commercial areas. Of course along its way to becoming 
the strong community it is now, Franklin also contributed greatly to 
our history.
  Franklin has been a site of some of America's earliest settlers, a 
stage for critical Revolutionary War battles, a crucial strategic point 
for Civil War supply transports and many other such exemplary pieces of 
our common history. From these pieces of their past, to their continual 
development of today, the people of Franklin Township have been 
builders of our Nation.
  Thus, it is fitting that Franklin Township will continually celebrate 
its bicentennial this year with events such as a community service 
month, the Franklin Township benefit event, a cultural festival and a 
community spirit day. Also, they will commemorate their rich heritage 
with a Revolutionary War re-enactment, Bicentennial parade and other 
similar activities.
  In the future years I know that Franklin Township will continue to 
build on its rich history, prosper and grow as it always has. While the 
township lies outside the boundaries of my congressional district, it 
will always have a special place in my heart. Once more, my 
congratulations and best wishes to the people of Franklin Township on 
their 200th anniversary.

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