[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 129 (Thursday, July 31, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1636-E1637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE CITY OF FOREST PARK, GEORGIA ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DAVID SCOTT

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
City of Forest Park for reaching their 100th Anniversary. Forest Park 
began as Forest Station/Astor on just one square mile of land chartered 
in 1908. This early community was mostly comprised of farming families, 
but quickly grew as Forest Park became an important railroad stop close 
to the bustling hub of Atlanta. Although the railroad gradually lost 
its more prominent role in the area, the people of Forest Park worked 
with the railroad and with their neighbors to find new opportunities 
for themselves and for their community. Their perseverance and hard 
work have paid off, helping to make Forest Park one of the largest 
cities in Clayton County and an important center of commerce for 
Georgia and the Southeast.
   Today Forest Park is home to over 21,000 dedicated and productive 
citizens. This diverse community deserves our commendation for setting 
a positive example for Georgia and our great nation as a whole. I 
praise Forest Park for its commitment to its citizens through an 
outstanding police and fire department, school system, and overall 
community atmosphere. I also applaud Forest Park for fostering strong 
and affordable community recreation and leisure programs. These 
activities serve to bring people of all backgrounds and experiences 
together in friendship and collaboration. I am proud to see these 
endeavors encouraging a healthy and dynamic environment for the 
citizens of Forest Park and promoting positive community values 
throughout the area.
   Forest Park will be holding a centennial celebration for just this 
purpose on August 14th, 15th, and 16th. This celebration will not only 
serve as a time of fun and enjoyment, but will also educate the public 
on the rich history of Forest Park. I also look forward to the 
increased participation and partnership of the citizenry, public 
institutions, and local businesses during this time and trust this 
close connection will continue into the future as it has for the past 
100 years. This commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Forest Park 
is sure to be an enjoyable and fruitful enterprise for all involved.
   I would further like to laud the dedicated efforts of Mayor Corine 
Deyton, and City Council members Sparkle Adams, Debbie Youmans, Maudie 
McCord, Donald Judson, and Linda Lord for their just and spirited 
public service in the governing of the City of Forest Park. 
Congratulations on reaching this 100 year milestone are also certainly 
due to the citizens of Forest Park. Without their tenacity and resolve, 
Forest Park would certainly not be the

[[Page E1637]]

active and vibrant city that it is today. I wish them well in 
continuing to enrich the lives of their neighbors and in maintaining a 
beautiful and prosperous community for the 100, 200, 300 years to come.
   In closing, I wish the City of Forest Park a Happy 100th Birthday. 
As the U.S. Representative to the 13th District of Georgia, I honor the 
City of Forest Park, its leaders, and its inhabitants for reaching this 
milestone and look forward to the continuation of its proud legacy.

                          ____________________