[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 6 (Thursday, January 11, 2007)]
[House]
[Page H347]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 SMALL TOWNS HEART AND SOUL OF AMERICA

  (Mrs. CAPITO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor of representing one of the 
largest congressional districts east of the Mississippi, the West 
Virginia Second District.
  Some of the best-kept secrets in West Virginia, and certainly my 
district, are the wonderful small towns and the sense of community they 
provide. Treasures like these are worth celebrating every single day.
  Last Sunday, the city of Ripley in Jackson County, West Virginia, 
celebrated its 175th anniversary, and I had the privilege of attending 
the celebration with the mayor and many fine citizens of Ripley.
  I thought it was very fitting to read the city's motto, ``Ripley: 
Proud of our past--Excited about our future.''
  Much has changed in America since 1832 when Ripley was founded, but 
the fact is that Ripley remains one of the best small towns in the 
country.
  In fact, when the President was looking for a place to celebrate our 
Nation's birthday in 2002, he looked no further than Ripley, West 
Virginia. It was a great decision. Every year, Ripley has the largest 
Independence Day celebration of any small town in America. We welcomed 
the President, and he enjoyed his West Virginia visit.
  Let us all remember that small towns are truly the heart and soul of 
America, just as they were in 1832 at Ripley's founding. I am honored 
to represent them here in Washington.

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