[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 37 (Friday, March 7, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S3372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Gregg, and Mr. 
        Sununu):
  S. 577. A bill to establish the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area 
in the States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I rise to introduce legislation to 
establish the Freedom's Way National Heritage Area in New Hampshire and 
Massachusetts. The bill is cosponsored by Senator Kennedy, Senator 
Gregg and Senator Sununu.
  The bill proposes to establish a national heritage area including 36 
communities in Massachusetts and six communities in New Hampshire. The 
area has important cultural and natural legacies that are important to 
New England and the entire Nation. I want to highlight just a few of 
the reasons I believe this designation makes sense.
  The Freedom's Way is an ideal candidate because it is rich in 
historic sties, trails, landscapes and views. The land and the area's 
resources are pieces of American history and culture. The entire 
region, and especially places like Lexington and Concord, is important 
to our country's founding and our political and philosophical 
principles. Within the 42 communities are truly special places. These 
include the Minuteman National Historic Park, more than 40 National 
Register Districts and National Historic Landmarks, the Great Meadows 
National Wildlife Refuge, Walden Pond State Reservation, Gardener State 
Park, Harvard Shaker Village and the Shirley Shaker Village.
  In addition, there is strong grassroots support for this designation. 
The people of these communities organized themselves in this effort and 
have now turned to us for assistance. I hope we can provide it. 
Supporters include elected officials, people dedicated to preserving a 
small piece of American and New England history, and local business 
leaders. It is an honor to help their cause.
  Finally, I am very pleased that Senators from both Massachusetts and 
New Hampshire have embraced this proposal. I thank Senators Kennedy, 
Gregg, and Sununu.
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