[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4306-S4307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CARIBOU, MAINE

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, it is with pride and gratitude 
that today I commemorate the 150th anniversary of Caribou, ME, which 
happens to be my hometown.
  The early settlers of Caribou were brave, self-reliant pioneers who 
left the comfort and security of established communities behind to make 
their own way in the wilderness of northern Maine. I am proud that my 
ancestors, led by Samuel Wilson Collins, were among that intrepid 
number, and grateful that for six generations my family has been a part 
of this wonderful community.
  I have great memories of growing up in Caribou, where my parents both 
served as mayor, and where my brothers now run our fifth generation 
family lumber business. I remember fondly starting the school year in 
August so that we could take time off to pick potatoes, working at the 
public library, and the fun we had going to high school basketball 
teams, especially during the exciting 1969 State championship season.
  But more than anything, I remember what it was like to grow up in a 
place that had such a strong sense of community. We learned to care for 
our friends and neighbors and to value our family members. We learned 
to help those in need. And Caribou's farm and lumber roots taught us 
the importance of hard work. The lessons I learned growing up in 
Caribou have stayed with me my entire life and I know many others who 
would say the same.
  This sesquicentennial year is a time to honor those who turned a 
remote settlement into a center of commerce, education, arts and 
recreation. It is a time to honor the valiant young men who served in 
many wars, beginning with the Civil War, and who have risen to our 
Nation's defense ever since.
  It is a time to honor the people of Caribou who celebrate each 
others' joys and who share each others' burdens.
  Mr. President, a couple of years ago, the television host and author 
Larry King asked me to contribute to a book he was compiling of short 
essays describing an all-important lesson the contributors learned 
growing up. I was delighted by the request and had no trouble recalling 
that defining moment.
  One of my earliest childhood memories is of being taken to the 
Caribou Memorial Day Parade by my Dad. A decorated World War II 
veteran, with the modesty characteristic of all who serve our Nation in 
uniform, he would hoist me onto his shoulders so I could better see the 
parade. And what I was able to see was the entire street lined by the 
people of Caribou, taking off their hats and putting their hands over 
their hearts as our flag went by, their eyes shining with pride in 
their country and with gratitude for those who serve her. A community 
that joins together to honor its past and to face its

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future that is Caribou. That is my hometown.
  Mr. President, I am proud of what the people of Caribou, ME, have 
accomplished in building a great American community. I am deeply 
grateful for the many blessings that this community has given me, and 
so many others.

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