[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2401-E2402]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE HARD WORK AND PATRIOTISM OF THE CITIZENS OF VIDALIA, 
                           TOOMBS COUNTY, GA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2001

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, in response to the terrorist attacks on 
September 11th, the people of Vidalia, GA took it upon themselves to 
undertake a project to show their support for America. The town of 
10,000 did not have an American flag that stood in the middle of town, 
and they were driven to raise over $3,000 to erect a flag pole which 
will permanently display the American flag in the center of town.

                  Special Order for Vidalia Flag Pole

  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you the dedication and hard 
work of some remarkable Americans; the citizens of Vidalia, GA. 
September 11th, 2001 affected every single one of us, and the 3 month 
anniversary of this tragedy served to remind us of that infamous day. 
All over the country people from different states, neighborhoods, and 
backgrounds have come together under a common bond as Americans. It has 
been no different in my home state of Georgia, and I would like to 
share with you today, Mr. Speaker, the dedication and patriotism of the 
good people of Vidalia. Vidalia is not a very large city having a 
population of 10,000. Yet many people may have heard of a particular 
crop that comes from Vidalia, the famous, sweet Vidalia Onion.

[[Page E2402]]

However, Mr. Speaker, it is time that these fine folks be known for 
more than just their onion.
  In the aftermath of September 11th, the people of Vidalia took it 
upon themselves, to erect and commemorate a flag pole and American flag 
to fly over their town. Under the direction of Mrs. Lynette Reid and 
the local Daughters of the American Revolution, the people of Toombs' 
county seat went out and raised money from local citizens and companies 
to make this dream a reality. As a result of the hard work of its 
citizens, the city of Vidalia, GA now has an American flag that flies 
24 hours a day, and is illuminated at night. It serves as a constant 
reminder of what we believe in and who we are. It is my honor to 
acknowledge them here today, and commend them for their quick work.
  Mr. Speaker, it is actions like these that make me proud of our 
nation. Stories like these have occurred all across the country, and I 
want to thank each and every one who have been a part of America's 
response. I would especially like to thank the people of Vidalia, GA. 
The patriotism, devotion, and determination that they have demonstrated 
embodies some of the best American qualities.
  I am also pleased, Mr. Speaker, in closing to submit some articles 
from the Vidalia Advance-Progress about this patriotic project.

               [From the Advance-Progress, Nov. 14, 2001]

                 Flag Staff Dedicated in Downtown Park

                 (By Kathy D. Bradford, Staff Reporter)

       It may be considered by some as nothing short of a miracle.
       A special ceremony was held Sunday afternoon in the Meadows 
     Street Park to dedicate a 35-ft. illuminated flag staff and 
     an American flag. An impressive gathering of citizens 
     witnessed the patriotic event.
       The desire to erect the flag staff originated in the 
     October 3 meeting of the Vidalia Chapter Daughters of the 
     American Revolution. Less than two months after actually 
     soliciting community support, the idea came to fruition.
       ``This program is designed to dedicate this flag staff and 
     flag to the heroes of September 11,'' said Mrs. R. Hugh Reid, 
     coordinator of the event.
       ``Remember, this is the 11th day, of the 11th month,'' she 
     said. ``This Veterans Day also coincides with the second 
     month anniversary of the tragedy currently facing our 
     nation.''
       Mrs. William F. Ledford, Past Regent of Vidalia DAR 
     Chapter, and John Kea of the Downtown Vidalia Association, 
     opened the ceremony with 11 tolls of the bell in the gazebo 
     in the park, followed by the Color Guard of American Legion 
     Post 97 presenting the flag of the United States of America.
       All stood at attention as the flag was unfurled, raised to 
     the top of the staff, lowered to half-staff and then raised 
     again. As if on cue, the wind began to pick up and the flag, 
     with all its glory, began to color the sky with red, white 
     and blue.
       Involving the youth of the area, Girl Scout Troop #355, 
     Mrs. John Tyson, Troop Leader, led the Pledge of Allegiance, 
     and the local Boy Scout Troop, Mr. Allen Rice, Scout Master, 
     responded with the American's Creed.
       A unison of voices filled the air as Mr. and Mrs. Jerome 
     Toole led ``The National Anthem'' accompanied by the Vidalia 
     Comprehensive High School band under the direction of Mr. Tim 
     Quigley.
       And then it came time for special recognition of the men 
     and women who helped create the minor miracle. Noting the 
     contributions of local citizens who have worked diligently to 
     see the event culminate on such a special day, Mrs. Reid 
     named organizations and others who have played a role.
       ``We really appreciate our young people for their 
     assistance,'' she said. ``Dr. Tim Smith was very receptive to 
     the idea.'' In his absence, students represented the local 
     school system and included Victoria Waring and John Carroll, 
     J.D. Dickerson Primary School; Tiffany Fowler, Sally D. 
     Meadows Elementary School; Regan Morgan and Evander Baker, 
     J.R. Trippe Middle School; and Matt Stanley, Student 
     Government Association, and Blake Tillery, Senior Class 
     President, Vidalia Comprehensive High School.
       Gifts from organizations included American Legion Post #97, 
     Mr. Hershel C. Connell, Commander, American Legion Post #97 
     Auxiliary, Ms. Denise Pitman, President; Downtown Vidalia 
     Association, Mrs. Linda Clarke, President; Vidalia Lions 
     Club, Mr. Joel Garrett, President; and Vidalia Women's Club, 
     Mrs. Joe Brice, President.
       Mrs. Reid further admonished the in-kind services of Harry 
     Moses, Harry Moses Construction Company, Ron Lambert of 
     Georgia Power Company and Jerry Fields of Vidalia-Lyons 
     Concrete Company, all of whom worked together to erect the 
     staff. One other company, who elected to remain anonymous, as 
     a local electrician and Vietnam veteran who donated the 
     equipment and installing the lighting necessary to keep the 
     flag lit at night.
       A bronze plaque will be embedded at the base of the flag 
     staff. The plaque will be inscribed in dedication to the 
     ``victims and heroes of September 11, 2001,'' and designated 
     that it was dedicated on November 11, 2001.
       Congressman Jack Kingston was unable to attend the 
     ceremony. In absentia, he forwarded the following to Mrs. 
     Reid:
       ``Dear Friends: It is with great pleasure that I send my 
     warmest greetings to you. Let me be the first to congratulate 
     you on your initiative and patriotism during these days 
     following September 11th. I am very proud of all that you 
     have accomplished and I commend your hard work.
       The money that you all have helped raise is a standing 
     tribute to our country, and I can think of no better way to 
     show this pride than the flag pole which you are dedicating 
     today. I wish to thank each and every one of you for making 
     this communitywide event possible and again want to express 
     my gratitude to everyone in the 1st District. We have all 
     been affected by September 11th, but we also have become a 
     stronger nation. May God bless you, and may God bless 
     America.''
       The ceremony concluded with everyone attending signing 
     ``God Bless America.''
       The eight-by-twelve foot flag will be flown day and night 
     to display the patriotism and love of the United States as 
     made evident by the rapid response of local citizens in 
     making the project a reality.

     

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