[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TERRY WATSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2004

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize an 
outstanding veteran from Bay City Michigan, Mr. Terry Watson who is 
retiring from his post as president of the Bay City Fireworks Festival 
Committee after 32 years of commendable service and dedication. The 
committee along with the community will honor Mr. Watson during the 
festival opening ceremony on July 1, 2004, in Bay City.
  U.S. Army Vietnam veteran Terry Watson is a life long resident of Bay 
City, Michigan. Terry has dedicated his life to making the Bay area a 
better place to live, work and visit. He is a retired Bay City Police 
Officer with 27 years of notable service.
  In 1962 the Fraternal Order of Police founded the Bay City fireworks. 
In 1981 the event evolved into a 3-day festival, complete with 
carnival. The fireworks display has been a significant part of the Bay 
area 4th of July holiday celebration for the past 42 years. The 
celebration draws a crowd of approximately 350,000 people. The firework 
show has been rated over the past years as one of the Nation's top five 
displays. Because of Terry's strong teamwork and leadership skills the 
Bay City Festival has become a popular family vacation destination spot 
for not only residents of Michigan but for others residing in states 
throughout the Midwest.
  Aside from being an outstanding leader, Terry is also a devoted 
family man and he credits the love and support of his devoted wife 
Peggy, their three children, Jerry, Sheri and Richard, for his success.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues in the 
108th Congress to please join me in paying tribute to an outstanding 
veteran, Mr. Terry Watson, for his service to our Nation and his 
contributions to Bay City, Michigan. I wish him the best in future 
endeavors.




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