[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CORPUS CHRISTI, AN ALL AMERICAN CITY

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                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the City of Corpus 
Christi for the recent accomplishment of being recognized by the 
National Civic League as an All-America City. As a resident of Corpus 
Christi, I can wholeheartedly endorse the concept that Corpus Christi 
represents all the best in an American city.
  Corpus Christi is a place where the pace is easy and the people are 
the best there is. It is peaceful and beautiful with beaches, military 
bases, high rises and a vibrant business community.
  Corpus Christi's presentation included our Juvenile Assessment Center 
(an organization that helps decrease juvenile crime), Forward Corpus 
Christi (an economic development organization), the Air Quality Group 
(Corpus Christi is the only major city in Texas to meet state and 
federal air quality standards), and a local Junior ROTC team.
  One of the central components of our community is our military 
complex. We often say South Texas is ``Navy Country.'' Four separate 
bases are incorporated in the Corpus Christi area: an army base and 
three naval bases. The military presence in the area contributes 20% to 
our local economy.
  Corpus Christi conveyed this pride in our military, and demonstrated 
the importance of our military community, by incorporating the 
nationally recognized efforts of the Flour Bluff Navy Jr. ROTC into the 
presentation.
  It was the solemn and excellent presentation of the Jr. ROTC, which 
has won seven national titles for excellence, and which led the way for 
the city to win the recognition by the National Civic League as an All-
America City.
  Corpus Christi is the only city in Texas to receive this distinct 
honor this year.
  I thank my friend, Robin Hayes of North Carolina, for introducing the 
resolution to officially commend the winners of this competition in the 
House of Representatives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and the other co-sponsors 
of this resolution, all of whom are proud to live in an All-America 
City, in commending Corpus Christi and the other nine cities honored by 
the National Civic League.

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