[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMEMORATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMPLETION OF THE APPALACHIAN 
                                 TRAIL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th 
anniversary of the Appalachian Trail's completion.
  On the 18th of August, 1937, the last mile of the original 
Appalachian Trail (AT) was completed at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine's 
Carabassett Valley. Although the idea of a super trail on the scale of 
the AT had been discussed for years, it was the vision and 
determination of Benton Mackaye and Myron Avery who truly gave the 
project life. The legacy of the trail was not always secure however, 
with severe weather, the Great Depression, and World War II threatening 
its continuity. Fortunately, the tremendous efforts of trail 
enthusiasts, lead by Mainer Stanley Murray, launched a campaign to save 
the AT and preserve it for future generations.
  Maine's Appalachian Trail Club will be hosting a 75th anniversary 
celebration of the AT's completion 75 years ago. Members of the Club, 
Maine's Appalachian Trail Land Trust, the Trust for Public Land, the 
High Peaks Alliance, the University of Maine, and the Appalachian Trail 
Conservancy will be present. The event will be an opportunity to 
reflect on the beauty of the trail and honor the countless volunteers 
who have helped to sustain this national treasure throughout the years.
  The enormous significance of the Appalachian Trail to the state 
cannot be overstated. Many of our local economies benefit from the 
thousands of hikers that are drawn to Maine every year along its paths. 
I am deeply proud to share in this celebration of Maine and American 
history.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me again in commemorating this momentous 
anniversary.

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