[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1005]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE KENTUCKIANS OF NEW YORK

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                     HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 2, 2004

  Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th 
Anniversary of The Kentuckians of New York. This congressional 
recognition will be presented on June 3, 2004 in New York City to a 
gathering of more than 325 persons at a Gala Dinner Dance. On the 
occasion, the following six Kentuckians will be honored for their 
distinguished careers in their chosen field, for their contributions to 
their community for public service, and their impact both nationally 
and globally: Owsley Brown II, John Y. Brown, Jr., Martha Layne 
Collins, Bob Edwards, Phil Simms, and Bill Samuels, Jr.
  The Kentuckians of New York was organized on April 27, 1904. The 
first president was John C. Carlisle, who served six years. During the 
turn of the century, several state societies were formed. Those who had 
chosen New York as their new home longed to maintain contact with 
persons from their home state. The Kentuckians of New York is one of 
the few, which remain today and have reached this milestone. In the 
early days, it was a men's organization, which met periodically to 
enjoy fellowship and sampling of some of the principal Kentucky 
products, tobacco and bourbon.
  During the term of President James C. Bowling (1974-76), Peggy 
Silhanek and Myra Leigh Tobin became the first two women members. I 
joined the organization soon after membership was opened to women. I 
met, not one, but all four criteria for becoming a member: born in 
Kentucky, lived in Kentucky for at least five years, graduated from a 
Kentucky college or university, and a son or daughter of a Kentuckian.
  The society currently has both resident and nonresident members. The 
primary purpose of the organization is to share fellowship and the love 
of our Kentucky heritage at two dinner meetings each year. At these 
meetings, a reception is followed by dinner and a talk about some 
aspect of Kentucky by a distinguished speaker from Kentucky or with 
ties to Kentucky.
  I was invited to be a speaker in October 2001, which followed the 
terrorist acts on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 
11, 2001. It was a very somber time in New York City and in the 
country. The Kentuckians of New York lost two of its members, James R. 
Paul and Thomas W. Hohlweck, Jr., who worked in the World Trade Center. 
My remarks focused on re-assuring members that Members of Congress were 
addressing terrorism and were concerned about the safety and security 
of its citizens, and in bringing justice to those who committed the 
terrorist acts of 9/11.
  Many illustrious speakers have addressed the organization. One 
memorable evening was the time when former Governor A.B. ``Happy'' 
Chandler was speaker, following his induction into the Baseball Hall of 
Fame. Former President Richard Nixon came to the reception unannounced 
to extend his congratulations to ``Happy'' Chandler and to extend 
greetings to The Kentuckians of New York.
  Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of The Kentuckians of New York's 100th 
Anniversary, I join with its members and other Kentuckians who will 
celebrate in its contributions to New York, to Kentucky, and to our 
nation.

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