[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E743-E744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FREEDOM OLD HOME WEEK PARADE

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                           HON. CHRIS PAPPAS

                            of new hampshire

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 22, 2024

  Mr. PAPPAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Freedom's 
125th Old Home Week Parade. Freedom has become an example of how small 
towns and other communities in New Hampshire can grow strongest through 
shared traditions that bring together a community's past and present.
  In 1831, after the community of North Effingham voted to secede from 
the town of Effingham, they chose the name ``Freedom''

[[Page E744]]

for their new town--a tribute to their residents achieving their goal 
of self-determination. Freedom's location on the north end of Ossipee 
Lake has allowed the town to be a gateway between New Hampshire's Lakes 
Region and the White Mountains.
  Old Home Week is a New Hampshire tradition that allows us to 
celebrate the places we call home. Created by New Hampshire governor 
Frank W. Rollins in 1899, Old Home Week was inspired as a way to 
encourage New Hampshire natives to return to their hometown after many 
younger New Hampshirites had moved west in search of economic 
opportunities. In the 21st century, globalization and technological 
advances have reduced social distance throughout the world, but the 
importance of strong, close-knit communities has remained the same. By 
proudly continuing the tradition of Old Home Week, Freedom envisions a 
community where current and former residents alike can be proud of 
their hometown.
  Thank you to the town of Freedom for inviting me to experience their 
community as a part of the Old Home Week Parade. I admire all of the 
volunteers who made this experience possible for the 125th straight 
year. I hope everyone enjoys themselves in celebrating this wonderful 
town. To understand the importance of small towns building a proud 
community for their current and former residents, we all need to hear 
Freedom ring.

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