[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 11, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H2621-H2622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING MILFORD, DELAWARE

  (Ms. McBride of Delaware was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the momentum and 
pride on full display in Milford, Delaware, a small town with a big 
story to tell.
  Delaware is the small town State, and Milford reminds us why that is 
something to be proud of. I had the pleasure of touring downtown 
Milford with local leaders recently. Despite a torrential downpour, we 
met with small business owners, local artists, and community members 
who are working every day to turn vision into progress.
  What I saw in Milford is what is possible when communities believe in 
themselves. Whether it is the thriving downtown storefronts, the 
Riverwalk's beauty, or the vibrant art scene, including Gallery 37, 
Milford is a town that is honoring its history while investing boldly 
in its future. Make no mistake, that future is being built by and for 
Milford's residents.
  We talked about infrastructure needs, economic development, and the 
importance of expanding access to housing and opportunity. Over the 
past decade, Milford has become a model for what small town 
revitalization should look like, driven by public-private collaboration 
and a clear focus on inclusive growth.
  Milford's motto: Art Town, River Town, Home Town, is more than a 
slogan. It is a reflection of a community that is rooted in creativity 
and care for one another.
  I am proud to represent Milford in Congress, and I will keep fighting 
for the investments, partnerships, and policies that empower towns like 
Milford to thrive. When small towns succeed, our whole State grows 
stronger.


       Celebrating the Anniversary of the Liberation of Delaware

  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary 
of the liberation of Delaware from the tyrannical yolk of Pennsylvania 
and the British Crown.
  In June of 1776, Delawareans laid the groundwork for the single 
longest running tradition in our State's history: the Separation Day. 
Separation Day serves as a reminder of the fierce commitment at the 
heart of the greatest State in the Union. It marks the moment when 
Delaware said: ``We can govern ourselves. We can shape our own 
future.''
  That commitment to dignity, democracy, to self-determination is the 
essence of who we are as Delawareans.
  Each June, my neighbors gather in Old New Castle, one of the most 
historic towns in America, to honor our legacy with joy and pride.
  Separation Day isn't just about the past. It is a reminder that 
democracy isn't something we inherit. It is something we practice, 
because that bold act in 1776 wasn't made by kings or generals. It was 
made by ordinary people who believed that a better future was worth the 
risk. They understood something we should all remember to this day: 
There are no kings in a democracy.
  This year, as we celebrate our independence from one empire and one 
governor across the State line, let us also reject any attempt to crown 
a new monarch, whether with a golden crown or a gilded office, because 
in this country no one is above the law.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Separation Day to Delaware.


                    Recognizing Gabriella Bourantas

  Ms. McBRIDE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize two extraordinary young 
leaders from Delaware, Gabriella Bourantas of Wilmington Christian 
School and Emily Geldreich of Kendall Academy, who have earned the 
Congressional Award Gold Medal.
  Through over 400 hours of public service, personal development, 
exploration, and physical rigor, Gabriella and Emily have set and 
achieved ambitious goals through perseverance and commitment.
  Gabriella served the Blackfeet Nation in Montana, honed her field 
hockey and Greek dance skills, and helped her family explore our 
national parks.
  Meanwhile, Emily taught American Sign Language, distributed food, and 
became a stronger swimmer and martial artist, all while deepening her 
understanding of deaf culture and global history.
  Their achievements remind us that the Congressional Award isn't just 
about logging hours. It is about building character. In their 
dedication and drive, Emily and Gabriella reflect the heart of 
Delaware, where young people lead with purpose and pride.
  Mr. Speaker, Delaware is proud of Gabriella and Emily and their hard 
work. They represent the best of the

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State of Delaware and the future of this Nation.

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