[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6814]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               100TH ANNIVERSARY OF NEKOMA, NORTH DAKOTA

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr President, today I wish to honor a community in 
North Dakota that is celebrating its 100th anniversary. On July 9 and 
10, the residents of Nekoma, ND, will celebrate their community's 
history and founding.
  Nekoma is a small town in the northeastern part of North Dakota with 
a population of 51. Despite its small size, Nekoma holds an important 
place in North Dakota's history. Charles B. Billings was the postmaster 
of the town's first post office, which opened in 1898. The town was 
nearly named Polar, but it changed after the Soo Line Railroad townsite 
was plotted in 1905. The name Nekoma was selected by the Postal 
Department from a list of names submitted by the first appointed 
postmaster, Orzo B. Aldrich.
  Nekoma is the site for America's only Safeguard ABM and Missile Site 
Radar military installations. Nicknamed the ``prairie pyramid,'' the 
inactive installation site is just northeast of the town. The SALT 
treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union, stated 
that only two safeguard sites were allowed--one of which was the site 
in Nekoma, ND, and the other in Washington, DC.
  Mr. President, I ask the Senate to join me in congratulating Nekoma, 
ND, and its residents on their first 100 years and in wishing them well 
through the next century. By honoring Nekoma and all the other historic 
small towns of North Dakota, we keep the pioneering frontier spirit 
alive for future generations. It is places such as Nekoma that have 
helped to shape this country into what it is today, which is why Nekoma 
is deserving of our recognition.
  Nekoma has a proud past and a bright future.

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