[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 184 (Wednesday, December 11, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H6809]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            RECOGNIZING THE HEROIC ACTIONS OF CARTER NICELY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Cline) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courageous actions 
of 16-year-old Carter Nicely from Alleghany County who heroically saved 
the lives of his family as their home was engulfed in flames earlier 
this year.
  As dawn broke, Carter was awakened by an extraordinary heat. 
Attempting to turn on his bedside lamp, he quickly realized the 
electricity was out. Without hesitation, he sprang into action, rushing 
to warn his parents, Anthony and Kristin Nicely, and his younger 
brother, Brody, of the imminent danger.
  Thanks to Carter's swift actions, his family was able to evacuate 
their home safely, though they tragically lost everything in the fire.
  In recognition of his bravery, the Sharon Fire and Rescue team 
awarded Carter a lifesaving award, a commendation they have only 
bestowed once before.
  Mr. Speaker, I, once again, congratulate Carter Nicely on his quick 
thinking and decisive action which undoubtedly saved lives.


     Celebrating Strasburg Presbyterian Church's 200th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Strasburg 
Presbyterian Church as it proudly celebrates 200 years of service.
  The church was founded in 1824 by a small, dedicated group of 
Christians under the leadership of Reverend Dr. William Henry Foote, a 
Princeton graduate who came to the Shenandoah Valley to provide English 
language services for residents primarily speaking German.
  Notably, Strasburg Presbyterian is the only church in town to 
withstand the Civil War, even serving as a hospital for wounded 
Confederate and Union soldiers after the pivotal battles of Cedar Creek 
and Fisher's Hill.
  Today, under the guidance of Reverend David Howard, the church goes 
beyond traditional worship and Sunday school. It actively participates 
in community initiatives such as blood drives, Bible studies, pancake 
breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners.
  With 90 active members, many of whom are multigenerational families, 
Reverend Howard envisions a bright future for the church, embodying the 
spirit of community service with the belief that ``it is about putting 
your community before yourself.''
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the Strasburg Presbyterian Church for its 
unwavering commitment to service and hope the church continues to bless 
our community for another 200 years.


            Celebrating the Roanoke Star's 75th Anniversary

  Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a beacon of hope 
and community pride in my district: the Roanoke Star. It was on the eve 
of Thanksgiving in 1949 at exactly 8:22 p.m. when a star was 
illuminated for the first time atop the most prominent mountain in the 
heart of the city of Roanoke, Virginia.
  What began as a Christmas decoration, this man-made metal star has 
now become an enduring symbol of our community spirit for 75 glorious 
years.
  Built by Roy Kinsey of the Kinsey Sign Company for $28,000, this 
impressive structure towers 88.5 feet tall, proudly visible from as far 
away as 60 miles. With 2,000 feet of neon tubing ready to shine in red, 
white, and blue, the Roanoke Star is not just any star; it is the 
largest freestanding illuminated star in the world.
  Visitors come from countless places to witness this treasured 
landmark, take in the breathtaking view of the Roanoke Valley, explore 
scenic trails, or enjoy the nearby Mill Mountain Zoo. The Roanoke Star 
is recognized on both the National Register of Historic Places and the 
Virginia Landmarks Register, reminding us of our heritage and 
commitment to preserving our history.
  As we mark this 75th anniversary, let us celebrate the Roanoke Star's 
significance in Virginia's Sixth District, and may it continue to shine 
as a welcoming beacon for all who visit.

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