[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 178 (Friday, November 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     REGARDING OKLAHOMA'S STATEHOOD DAY AND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2007

  Mr. BOREN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize November 16, 
2007--Oklahoma's Statehood Day and Centennial Celebration. From east to 
west, north to south, Oklahoma boasts a variety of cultures, 
landscapes, and opportunities that Oklahomans and visitors enjoy every 
day. The diversity represented in the State has long been a source of 
pride for and attraction to Oklahoma. Many Native American tribes were 
relocated to Oklahoma under force, but have grown to be a vital source 
of pride and diversity for the State's heritage and future. 
Furthermore, the land-runs that began in 1889 showed our Nation the 
power and promise that the lands of Oklahoma held for its inhabitants 
in the early days as a territory. It was just a short while later, in 
1907, that the Federal Government and the other States of the Union 
fully recognized this and made Oklahoma a State. Those same feelings 
still ring true today as we honor our State's centennial celebration.
  As an Oklahoman, I share a heritage built on the values of faith, 
family, hard work, and personal responsibility. In Oklahoma, people are 
our greatest asset. There is warmth in our people that you won't find 
anywhere else. Throughout many years of hardship, our communities 
endured because of our ``pioneer spirit.'' The same strength and spirit 
that enabled generations before me to survive the Great Depression and 
two world wars, is still alive today. For all of these reasons, I am 
happy to highlight the Centennial Celebration of Oklahoma.

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