[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 27, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1425-E1426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RAYMOND ROPER AND EDITH SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM LATHAM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2007

  Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the city of Churdan, 
located in Greene County, in Iowa's 4th Congressional District, which 
will celebrate its 125th birthday with a celebration and parade from 
June 29th through July 1st. I also rise to recognize two of my 
constituents, Raymond Roper and Edith Smith, who were recently 
announced king and queen of the Churdan quasquicentennial.
  Mr. Roper received a Purple Heart for his service to the Nation in 
World War II. He is also a lifelong farmer whose dedication and 
commitment to his community inspires all of Churdan. In 1981, Raymond 
started the Avenue of Flags, which fly in both the Highland Township 
and St. Patrick cemeteries on Memorial Day and has been the supervisor 
of that project ever since. In 2003, Raymond received the Iowa High 
School Athletic Association's service award for 45 years of public 
address announcing four sports at Paton-Churdan High School.
  Ms. Smith has been active in community activities throughout her life 
and is a longtime member of the Twentieth Century Club. Edith dedicated 
32 years of her life to the Churdan

[[Page E1426]]

Post Office where she helped countless people. After she retired, she 
managed a dress shop for many years. Most recently, Edith was runner-up 
in the 2007 Greene County bridge marathon at age 91.
  Both Raymond Roper and Edith Smith have helped make Churdan and 
Greene County a better place through their selfless dedication to 
community service. Many people owe their success in life to the 
inspiration they both embody.
  I consider it an honor to represent Raymond Roper and Edith Smith in 
Congress, and again I congratulate the city of Churdan on its 125th 
birthday celebration.

                          ____________________