[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING NEW ULM, MINNESOTA ON BEING NAMED MINNESOTA'S HONORARY 
                           CAPITAL FOR A DAY

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                          HON. TIMOTHY J. WALZ

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that 
I congratulate the city of New Ulm on being selected to serve as the 
Honorary Capital of Minnesota on May 15th, 2008.
  This year, Minnesota celebrates 150 years of statehood. Over 10,000 
Minnesotans participated in selecting cities to serve as Capital for a 
Day throughout the week of May 11th-18th to commemorate Minnesota's 
Sesquicentennial.
  I am very pleased that the city of New Ulm was selected for this 
honor.
  New Ulm was settled by German immigrants in the 1850's and throughout 
its early history served as an important trading center for steamboats 
carrying goods up the Minnesota River.
  New Ulm was once considered the Polka Capital of the Nation and is 
home to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame, where visitors can view the 
music memorabilia of national and local artists.
  The city is also home to the famous Hermann Monument, a monument to 
German-Americans and the cultural influence German immigrants have had 
on the region. The monument, which was dedicated in 1897, overlooks New 
Ulm from Hermann Heights Park.
  Today, New Ulm is a center for agriculture and business and enjoys a 
thriving tourism industry. Throughout its history, New Ulm has 
undergone many changes, but it has not lost the historical roots that 
make it such a wonderful city.
  I am pleased to join the State of Minnesota in congratulating New 
Ulm, Minnesota on this occasion. And I wish them continued growth and 
success for the next 150 years.




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