[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 12 (Monday, January 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E76-E77]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF EAST 
                          HAMPTON, CONNECTICUT

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 23, 2017

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the 250th 
Anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of East Hampton, 
Connecticut. The citizens of this community will celebrate this 
anniversary with a series of festivities occurring over the course of 
the year.
  East Hampton's resiliency has been demonstrated since their earliest 
days. In 1739, the original settlers, led by Isaac Smith, braved the 
wilderness of the Northeast to settle along the east bank of the 
Connecticut River. The town was originally named Chatham in 1767, 
commemorating its robust shipbuilding economy, but was later renamed to 
East Hampton in 1915.
  The Town of East Hampton has retained much of its old-time charm and 
beauty for which many New England communities are so famous and it 
remains the embodiment of community and tradition. Since its 
resurrection in 1978, thousands of residents and visitors attend the 
town's Old Home Days glorious celebration. The celebration, which spans 
three days, fills the streets of East Hampton with live music, 
delicious food, carnival rides, and concludes with the highly 
anticipated Old Home Day parade.
  East Hampton also has a rich history of honoring its military 
community. From hosting Yellow Ribbon Ceremonies for departing and 
returning veterans to erecting the Veterans Memorial Monument, which 
honors over 2,000 East Hampton veterans, East Hampton has always 
bestowed the greatest honor upon their veterans.
  East Hampton was also the hometown of Connecticut's 84th governor 
William O'Neill who served in that position from 1980 to 1991. Governor 
O'Neill was a leader in strengthening Connecticut's public education 
system, healthcare for seniors, and fixing Connecticut's roads. He was 
a Korean War Veteran and longtime legislator before ascending to the 
governor's office. Despite his amazing service he never lost touch with 
regular people, and I believe it was due to the fact that he and his 
wife Nikki, always kept their home in East Hampton, where Nikki still 
resides today.
  Mr. Speaker, for 250 years East Hampton and its residents have 
persevered and flourished through shifting economic, political, and 
social landscapes. The enthusiasm and amiability from East Hampton's 
citizens is truly telling of their pride and sense of community. On 
this anniversary, I ask my colleagues to join me and my constituents 
with honoring and celebrating this 250th Anniversary.

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