[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 114 (Thursday, August 5, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           COMMEMORATING THE UNVEILING OF THE MILLENNIUM WALL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JUDY BIGGERT

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 5, 1999

  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a 
celebration.
  This is no ordinary get-together, though. It is Celebration 2000 and 
it will take place at the turn of the Millennium in what I must 
immodestly report is one of the most vibrant communities in America--
Naperville, Illinois.
  Celebration 2000 will be three days of fun for the people of 
Naperville. This event will honor the past, while it imagines the 
future. The activities include fireworks, parades, banquets, dancing, 
theater, music, spiritual gatherings, sports and games, writing and 
visual arts contests, and a torchwalk to recognize each of the past ten 
centuries. But what will heighten the joy of the event is the community 
spirit that is making it happen.
  Naperville is the fastest growing city in America's heartland. Too 
often, such rapid change stretches and tears the fabric of a community. 
But not Naperville. This city has developed one of the liveliest 
downtowns you will find. It has nurtured a riverwalk that has been 
called the most beautiful mile-long stretch in Illinois. It has one of 
the best school systems anywhere. A national research group recently 
named Naperville as the best city in America in which to raise a child. 
It is truly a big city with a small town atmosphere.
  As you can imagine, Celebration 2000 is a gala for, by and of the 
people of Naperville. Next month, the names of those who made the 
celebration a reality will be inscribed on a beautiful millennium 
labyrinth and wall. These will include Mayor George Pradel and 
Councilwoman Mary Ellingson, the remarkable co-chairs of the 
Celebration 2000 committee.
  Along with the Naperville Millennium Tower and Carillon, which I told 
this House about recently, these festivities will ring in the new year 
with the sounds of community, abundance and joy.
  It is no wonder that the White House Millennium Council has 
designated Naperville as one of fewer than 20 cities in the entire 
nation as a model for others to follow.
  For three days, the people of Naperville will rejoice in their 
blessings and generosity. I know you will join me in standing to wish 
them all the best of happiness.

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