[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE SILAS AND ELLA LEWIS FAMILY REUNION

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                           HON. RONNIE SHOWS

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 1999

  Mr. SHOWS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Family of Silas and 
Ella Lewis as they plan to celebrate their first Family Reunion from 
July 2nd through July 4th, 1999 in Monticello, Mississippi.
  Silas Lewis was one of the first African-Americans to own land and a 
horse-drawn buggy in the early 1900's. Descendants of Silas and Ella 
Lewis continue to live in the area and have become productive and 
prominent members of the community.
  All Americans come together as a family to honor our national 
heritage on the Fourth of July. It is a fitting tribute to Silas and 
Ella Lewis that so many members of their family have made the 
commitment to come together during the Fourth of July holiday to 
celebrate their personal heritage. Silas and Ella Lewis are role models 
for modern Americans. The principles of hard work and determination 
they instilled in their children and grandchildren continue to 
represent the strong family values we need to foster as we prepare to 
begin a new millennium.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to honor the memory of Silas 
and Ella Lewis. I am proud of their family for coming together to 
celebrate their noble heritage. And I am most proud that I am able to 
rise before this Congress--the People's House--to share their story and 
praise Silas and Ella Lewis.

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