[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 196 (Friday, December 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1632-E1633]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   BICENTENNIAL OF PERRY COUNTY, OHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE STIVERS

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 1, 2017

  Mr. STIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of 
Ohio's 15th Congressional District to recognize the bicentennial of 
Perry County, Ohio. Since German settlers first made their way to 
Southeastern Ohio from Pennsylvania, Perry County has exemplified many 
of our nation's core values.
  From its foundation, Perry County has preserved our proud tradition 
of military service, its first residents choosing to name the area for 
Oliver H. Perry, a hero of the War of 1812. Today, there are over 2,700 
veterans living in Perry County, all of whom have made tremendous 
sacrifices to preserve our freedoms.
  For the past 200 years, the overwhelming characteristic of the people 
of Perry County is the compassion they hold for one another and their 
determination to do what is right and just. In the 191h century, 
residents worked diligently in support of the Underground Railroad. 
Today, the people of Perry County refuse to have their communities 
destroyed by the opioid epidemic, and are uniting to support their 
neighbors and find paths to healthy, productive lives.
  Much like the kindness of its citizens, the natural beauty of Perry 
County is unparalleled. From the picturesque landmark of Buckeye Lake, 
to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, there is a steep 
appreciation for the scenic landscape of the County, as described in 
Clement L. Martzolff's poem, ``The Beauty of Our Hills.''

     There is beauty in these hills of ours for him with eyes to 
           see;
     There is beauty smiling at us from the meadows broad and 
           free;
     There is beauty in the woodlands; there is beauty 'long the 
           brooks;
     There's beauty in the violet light as it gleams through leafy 
           nooks.
     And a beauty out of heaven over all the landscape rills
     When the sun shines down upon these Perry county hills.

  Today, Perry County remains a beautiful place to work, live, and 
raise a family. I am grateful for the leadership of the County 
Commissioners, James O'Brien, Ben Carpenter, and Dave Freriks, and all 
of the neighbors and friends who have maintained Perry County's beauty 
and history.
  I am honored to represent this county, where community, faith, and 
freedom are celebrated not just in recognition of the 200th anniversary 
of its founding, but each and every day.

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