[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 147 (Monday, October 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND AND PINNEBERG, GERMANY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 1, 2007

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rockville, 
Maryland and Pinneberg, Germany on the 50th anniversary of their 
outstanding ``Sister City'' relationship.
  In 1983, the first official delegation from Pinneberg visited 
Rockville, and participated in a White House ceremony commemorating the 
300th anniversary of German immigration to the United States. Over the 
past 50 years, individuals and groups from both cities, including 
police officers, students, politicians, sports teams, choruses and 
concert bands, have participated in exchanges that have left both sides 
richer in knowledge and understanding. I know these participants will 
never forget their experiences and the lessons they have learned from 
each other.
  We here in Rockville and our friends in Pinneberg should be proud 
that our cities were among the first in the United States and Germany 
to engage in this relationship, after its proposal in 1956 by President 
Dwight D. Eisenhower as part of a people-to-people citizen diplomacy 
initiative. Our sister city relationship is a cornerstone of a program 
that for many years has worked to achieve peace and prosperity through 
cultural understanding and exchange among countries all over the world. 
Even during turbulent times, our two cities have reached towards one 
another in friendship and set an example for others to follow.
  In celebration of this anniversary, a delegation from Rockville, 
including its Mayor, Larry Giammo, visited Pinneberg this past June. 
This week, beginning on October 2nd, the City of Rockville will 
formally welcome a 40-member delegation from Pinneberg, including its 
current Mayor. They will spend time with our local elected officials, 
tour the City and other sights in Maryland, dedicate a commemorative 
plaque, and conclude the week's festivities with ``An Evening of 
Celebration'' in Rockville's new Town Center on October 7th.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Rockville, 
Maryland and Pinneberg, Germany for their meaningful and productive 
collaboration over the past 50 years. We all look forward to another 50 
years of friendship between these two great cities.

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