[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATIONS TO UNION TOWNSHIP ON THEIR 200TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2008

  Mr. PAYNE. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the U.S. House 
of Representatives to join me as I rise to congratulate Union Township, 
New Jersey, on the celebration of its 200th anniversary.
   Union Township plays an integral part in Union County and the 10th 
Congressional District of New Jersey.
   Prior to the establishment of Union Township, that region known as 
Elizabethtown played a fundamental role in the American Revolution. It 
was the site of the Battle of Connecticut Farms where the British tried 
to force their way to Hobart Gap but were denied by the strong and 
resilient spirit of the Continental Forces. This spirit of 
determination is a testament to the solid foundation on which Union 
Township rests.
   On the 23d day of November in 1808, the State Legislature of New 
Jersey designated that Connecticut Farms would be separated from 
Elizabethtown. This new municipality was to be called Union Township.
   Since its inception Union Township has been a cultural hub 
attracting people from all cultures and backgrounds.
   Today, the township is comprised of over 50,000 residents and 27 
houses of worship. Every year, Union Township holds several parades 
where people from different cultures can celebrate their heritage 
through various parades and festivals. The Township will celebrate the 
occasion with a parade on October 12, 2008.
   Union Township is an intermingling of Colonial American history and 
contemporary suburban living. In 1976 Union Township achieved the 
honored designation of being named an All-American City. Just this 
year, Union Township was. chosen by CNN as one of the top 100 places to 
live in the country.
   Union Township again stands out on the national stage because it is 
home to the world's tallest water sphere. Residents are also proud of 
their outstanding higher education institution, Kean University, as 
well as their excellent elementary and secondary school systems.
   Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues agree that Union Township and 
its residents have every right to be proud of the lasting contributions 
Union Township has made to the State of New Jersey and to the United 
States of America. I am pleased to congratulate Union Township on its 
first 200 years and proud to have a significant part of the township in 
the 10th Congressional District.

                          ____________________