[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 76 (Wednesday, June 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE PORT OF BALTIMORE ON ITS 300TH ANNIVERSARY

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                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Port of 
Baltimore on its 300th Anniversary.
  Baltimore and the state of Maryland are home to some of the most 
cherished and enduring symbols of our Nation.
  It was during the War of 1812 that Francis Scott Key while 
sequestered on a boat off the shores of Fort McHenry in Baltimore was 
inspired by the American Flag to write our National Anthem, the Star 
Spangled Banner. It was also during that war that Fort McHenry 
protected the City of Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore.
  I believe that today, Flag Day, is an appropriate day to recognize 
the Port of Baltimore on its 300th Anniversary.
  Established in 1706, the Port of Baltimore is here today because it 
was successfully defended by the American soldiers and militiamen at 
Fort McHenry and North Point during the War of 1812.
  Today, the Port of Baltimore is one of America's busiest 
international deepwater ports and serves as a critical anchor for 
Baltimore and the Inner Harbor. It is also an economic engine for the 
state. From cars to tractors, from coal to paper, from sugar to 
aluminum, the Port of Baltimore handles 400,000 containers a year 
filled with goods that help us in our everyday lives. The Port employs 
more than 19,000 people, supports more than 42,000 jobs related to the 
maritime industry, and generates more than $2 billion in revenue 
annually.
  A busy Port has ensured a buzzing economy and more jobs for Maryland 
residents. The hard work and dedication of Baltimore's port workers 
together with the support of local, state, and federal leaders have 
ensured that the Port will be a success today as well as tomorrow.
  It is impossible to comment on the success of the Port of Baltimore 
without recognizing the strong commitment to the Port by former 
Congresswoman Helen Delich Bently. Recently Governor Robert J. Ehrlich, 
Jr. of Maryland announced that the Port will be renamed the ``Helen 
Delich Bently Port of Baltimore.'' Former Congresswoman Bently served 
in the United States House of Representatives from 1985-1995 
representing Maryland's Second Congressional District and has since 
become one of the Port's most staunch supporters.
  In honor of the Port of Baltimore, I am introducing a resolution, 
with the support of the entire Maryland Delegation in the House, to 
honor the Port of Baltimore on its 300th Anniversary.
  I urge my colleagues to join me and the Maryland Delegation and honor 
the Port of Baltimore on this patriotic day.

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