[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 24, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE CITY OF GAINESVILLE BEING NAMED ``MOST PATRIOTIC 
                  SMALL TOWN IN AMERICA'' BY USA TODAY

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                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 24, 2012

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gainesville, 
Texas as they were recently named the ``Most Patriotic Small Town in 
America'' by USA Today.
  Last week, Rand McNally Corporation and USA Today announced the 
winners of the Best of the Road 2012 contest. This contest is a 
nationwide search for America's best towns for friendliest people, 
great scenery, terrific food, patriotic fervor, and just plain fun.
  I am proud that Gainesville won the category for most patriotic, not 
only for its number of monuments and memorials and tremendous display 
of American flags, but especially for the genuine spirit of its 
citizens. As a finalist, Gainesville hosted a two day patriotic 
celebration during the judges' visit to the city which included an old 
fashioned ice cream social and a tour of the city decked out in its 
best red, white and blue regalia. In addition, the judges recognized 
Gainesville's Medal of Honor Host City Program, an annual three day 
celebration honoring the military veterans awarded our nation's highest 
military decoration, the Medal of Honor. Also recognized was 
Gainesville's unique downtown area with its antique shopping and dining 
venues situated around the historic Cooke County Courthouse on the 
square.
  Gainesville was established in 1850 through a donation of 40 acres of 
land by Mary E. Clark. The town was named after General Edmund 
Pendleton Gaines, a United States General sympathetic to Texas during 
the state's revolution. After years of battling off Native American 
attacks, the city persevered and ultimately prospered. Since 
Gainesville is near Oklahoma's border, Gainesville became a key trading 
center. Farming and agriculture eventually took over as the town's 
primary industry, and after oil was discovered nearby, Gainesville was 
able to prosper even during a period of severe economic turmoil, the 
Great Depression. Gainesville is home to numerous attractions including 
Camp Howze Army training camp and the Frank Buck Zoo. Today, the city 
of Gainesville is still continuing to multiply its population and 
business community.
  It is an honor to have Gainesville, recognized after 30,000 miles and 
five other cities, as the most patriotic. I am privileged to represent 
Gainesville, Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives, and I rise to 
salute them for their patriotism for our country.

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