[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 102 (Friday, June 24, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BASQUE HERITAGE AND SMITHSONIAN FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

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                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2016

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the annual Smithsonian 
Folklife Festival which begins on June 29 and focuses this year on the 
Basques. Their history, contributions, and culture will be highlighted 
through music, storytelling, artifacts, and food. Since the late 1800s, 
the Basques have been an integral part of Nevada's story. Well known 
and highly respected Basque families in Nevada include the Laxalts, 
Ascuaguas, Etcheverrias, Juaristis, and Goicoecheas, among others, who 
have left a legacy at all levels of government, business, academia, and 
the legal profession. Their history has been recorded in the sheep 
camps of the Northern Nevada mountains and in the boarding houses of 
small towns like Elko, Winnemucca, Battle Mountain, and Ely. Their 
strength of character and perseverance inspire us all. I look forward 
to seeing some of Nevada's Basque dancers on the National Mall, and I 
invite you to join me in celebrating this amazing community and its 
heritage.

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