[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 125 (Monday, September 30, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1676]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


HONORING THE 180TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE BRENTSVILLE HISTORIC 
                     COURTHOUSE SEPTEMBER 26, 2002

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                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2002

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to honor the anniversary of the historic Brentsville 
Courthouse in Brentsville, Virginia.
  On Saturday, September 28, 2002, the first annual ``Brentsville Court 
Day'' will commemorate the national significance of this courthouse and 
the prominent position it held in Prince William County during the 19th 
Century. The day will be filled with activities designed to entertain 
and educate citizens of all ages on the key role this courthouse played 
180 years ago.
  When the Brentsville Courthouse was first in use, Washington City had 
been the Nation's Capital for only twenty-two years and the U.S. 
Constitution had been in place for a mere thirty-four. It is believed 
that the first Fourth of July in Prince William County was celebrated 
on the front steps of the Brentsville Courthouse, with a speech given 
by Dr. Thomas Ewell, a noted surgeon of that time.
  Recapturing the patriotic spirit of the American Revolution was of 
growing importance at that time, as the war generation was aging and 
memories of their sacrifices were fading. As a result, speeches 
honoring these patriots became the norm. Yet research undertaken by 
local historians indicates the speech given by Dr. Ewell that day was 
extraordinary.
  The research uncovered twenty-five letters spanning twenty years of 
correspondence between Dr. Ewell and Thomas Jefferson. In his letter 
responding to Dr. Ewell's July 4th oration, Jefferson recognized 
Ewell's July 4, 1823 speech--on the 50th anniversary of the United 
States--as a reflection of ``the true spirit of '76.''
  The 180th anniversary celebration will occur, Mr. Speaker, in a town 
new to the 11th Congressional district of Virginia, but rich in 
American history.
  Mr. Speaker, in closing, given the historical significance and roots 
of Brentsville Courthouse, we have great reason to celebrate today. 
Accordingly, I extend my warmest congratulations on its 180th 
Anniversary. The Courthouse is a national treasure and a source of 
pride for both my constituents and me. I call upon my colleagues to 
join me in applauding 180 years of excellence and American spirit.

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