[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 50 (Thursday, April 27, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S3017]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          NATIONAL GRANGE WEEK

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Minnesota members of the National Grange. This week is Grange Week, 
which celebrates the oldest U.S. rural community service, family-
orientated organization with a special interest in agriculture. In 
recognition of its members in Minnesota, and across the United States, 
I want to take this time to reflect on the accomplishments of the 
National Grange during the past 133 years.
  Organized in 1867, the National Grange assisted farmers who were 
trying to dig out of financial troubles that plagued them after the 
Civil War. Today, this organization continues to advance the best 
interests of agriculture and promote the family values that are rooted 
so deeply in rural America.
  This commitment is easily seen in the Grange's involvement in many 
local service projects, such as organizing community response teams to 
cope with disasters, assisting in community development revitalization, 
volunteering at local schools, and promoting farm and home safety, 
along with other important activities.
  In my home state of Minnesota, the State Grange has been influential 
in the development of many key projects and services since 1867. Around 
the turn of the century, the State Grange played a crucial role in 
helping farmers and people in rural areas get home delivery of their 
mail and take part in rural electrification projects. They also helped 
form the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture.
  Mr. President, because its members understand the importance of the 
family farm and the communities they reside in, it is easy to see why 
the Grange has been so successful in its many endeavors. I am pleased 
to make this statement on behalf of the Minnesota Grange, and I wish 
them well and commend them for their many hours of volunteer service--
service that is vital to all our communities.

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