[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 79 (Wednesday, May 10, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S1600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        350TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF SOUTHBURY, CONNECTICUT

 Mr. MURPHY. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate the 
town of Southbury on its 350th anniversary. In 1673, 15 families 
seeking free religious expression traveled up the Housatonic River and 
settled on land that is known today as Southbury. Those humble 
beginnings have grown into a vibrant community of almost 20,000 people. 
As the only town in the Nation to bear its name, Southbury is truly one 
of a kind. I was grateful to be invited this past November to 
participate in the town's 85th anniversary of Southbury's residents 
coming together to stop the Neo-Nazi organization, the German-American 
Bund, from establishing a presence in the town. Their determination 
reminds us of the importance of standing with our neighbors and calling 
out hate and bigotry in all its forms.
  During my 6 years as Southbury's Congressman and the past 10 years as 
its U.S. Senator, I have come to know many of the town's past and 
current citizens. Dr. Mark Taylor, a friend and mentor, became 
nationally known for his knowledge and passion about critical water 
sources from the Pomperaug River. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Hinman 
was a Revolutionary War hero who also took part in the Constitutional 
Convention. Gladys Taber was a prolific writer, best known for her 
series about life at Stillmeadow, her farm in Southbury.
  Congratulations to the Town of Southbury on this impressive milestone 
of 350 years and counting. It is a privilege to represent a community 
with such a storied past and bright future, and I look forward to 
continuing to work together to strengthen Southbury for many years to 
come.

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