[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 24, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN HONOR OF THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROCKFORD BURNS CLUB

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2008

  Mr. MANZULLO. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to honor today the oldest, 
continuous social organization in Rockford, Illinois--the Rockford 
Burns Club--which will celebrate its 150th anniversary on November 5, 
2008. The Rockford Burns Club is one of the oldest Burns Clubs in the 
United States that was established to honor Scottish heritage and, 
specifically, the great poet, Robert Burns. Not only are his works 
historically important but Robert Burns is the quintessential symbol of 
Scotland and the Scottish people, many of who emigrated to the United 
States for greater opportunities.
  There are approximately 4.8 million Americans of Scottish descent--
nearly as many as live in Scotland today. Their independent spirit 
continues to contribute enormously to the growth and well-being of the 
United States. Many Scottish-Americans played a formative role in the 
political and economic development of this Nation, including several of 
our Founding Fathers, such as Thomas McKean of Pennsylvania, the 
Reverend John Witherspoon of New Jersey, and Alexander Hamilton of New 
York; and the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell.
  The Rockford Burns Club fosters this creative spirit by reminding us 
what is best about Scottish culture, including the literary 
contributions of Robert Burns. I salute the current leadership of the 
Rockford Burns Club for their efforts to keep this tradition alive, and 
I wish them every continued success for at least another 150 years.

                          ____________________