[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 85 (Wednesday, June 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     CONGRATULATING AETNA ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 11, 2003

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the 
Connecticut delegation to congratulate Aetna as it celebrates a 
milestone. On June 14, 2003 Aetna Inc. will observe the 150th 
anniversary of its founding.
  The year 1853 was an extraordinary one for America. Our country was 
77 years old and on the brink of Civil War. Despite the strife of the 
times a handful of leading business, civic and cultural leaders founded 
a company that would evolve into Aetna Inc., one of the nation's 
largest health care and employee benefits companies serving over 
thirteen million Americans with medical coverage, over eleven million 
group customers and eleven million dental members, all served by over a 
half million health care service providers.
  Since 1853 Aetna has never lost sight of its customers, always 
striving to meet their changing needs. The people of Aetna have been 
inspired by the fact that what they do is truly important: helping 
people protect against the risks and uncertainties of life and 
promising to be there when needed the most.
  Today Aetna is one of the nation's premier providers of health care 
and related benefits, dedicated to helping people achieve health and 
financial security. This occasion offers us the opportunity to thank 
Aetna for this commitment.
  It is with great pleasure that we commend the employees of Aetna for 
their excellence and determination with which they perform their work. 
In its 150 years of existence Aetna has become an indispensable asset 
to the people and culture of Connecticut. Its contributions to both the 
business world and the fabric of life in our home state of Connecticut 
have been tremendous. It is therefore with great appreciation that we 
offer congratulations to Aetna on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary 
and wish Aetna and all those associated with it continued success for 
many years to come.

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