[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Pages 12377-12378]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         RESTORATION AND REDEDICATION OF THE GEORGETOWN CIRCLE

 Mr. CARPER. Mr. President, today I recognize the rededication 
of ``The Circle'' in Georgetown, DE scheduled for July 19. Thanks to 
the great efforts and hard work of the citizens of Georgetown, this 
historic site has been restored to its original splendor.
  The Circle was established in 1791 by an act of the Delaware General 
Assembly. Subsequently, the town of Georgetown was laid out around the 
Circle. While Delawareans knew of its historic and cultural 
significance, it was confirmed nationally in 1973 when The Circle was 
placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  Georgetown has long been famous for Return Day, a celebration that 
takes place every 2 years, 2 days after the state's general election. 
With the campaign behind them, voters and candidate's return to the 
Circle to enjoy parades, listen to music, and literally ``bury a 
hatchet.'' We talk a lot in my State about working together, about 
putting aside partisan differences to cross party lines to get things 
done. This celebration at the Circle embodies that effort and 
commitment.
  Over the years, the Circle fell to a state of disrepair. Once a place 
of stately honor, financial assistance was needed to return the Circle 
to its original state. The community of Georgetown joined together and 
formed a committee to oversee the repairs and maintain the historic 
beauty of the site. The repairs were financed through a Transportation 
Enhancement Grant from the Federal Highway Administration, the Delaware 
Department of Transportation, and members of the Delaware General 
Assembly from Sussex County. Together, these groups

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were able to provide substantial funding for renovations. The residents 
of Georgetown should be praised for their commitment to restoring the 
Circle. With their initiative and dedication, future generations will 
be able to enjoy its rich history.
  The July 19 rededication is a celebration of the community's 
collective efforts. Delaware's future will be built upon its rich 
history. We must work hard to preserve these symbols of our past to 
ensure that they are not forgotten. The citizens of Georgetown worked 
hard to ensure that the area's unique history will be preserved long 
into the future.

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