[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 111 (Thursday, July 16, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING GOTEMBA, JAPAN ON ITS 55TH ANNIVERSARY AS CHAMBERSBURG, 
                       PENNSYLVANIA'S SISTER CITY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BILL SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2015

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the city of 
Gotemba, Japan on the occasion of its 55th year as Chambersburg, 
Pennsylvania's Sister City.
   In 1958 the Gotemba City Assembly took the first step in creating an 
exciting international bond when it voted to establish a Sister City 
relationship with Chambersburg, PA. With a vibrant population of nearly 
89,000 people and a picturesque location near the base of Mt. Fuji, 
Gotemba has been an extraordinary partner and gracious host.
   Originally presented as an opportunity for building friendships and 
exchanging ideas and cultural interests, this arrangement has created 
long-lasting connections and spurred experiences that any international 
city would be lucky to have.
   Long after the first personal contact by citizens of Chambersburg 
visiting Gotemba occurred in April, 1960, our friendship remains 
strong. It is my honor to help welcome the Gotemba citizens and 
highlight their 2015 visit to Chambersburg, as it is not only the first 
of its kind in a decade but also marks the 55th year of our unique 
relationship. Additionally, I would like to recognize those who have 
built and maintained the Sister City status, for they have made this 
milestone and all of its positive impacts on both of our communities 
possible.
   Today I am proud to celebrate the 55 years Chambersburg and Gotemba 
have shared as Sister Cities and wish this international union endless 
success in the future.

                          ____________________