[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 11]
[House]
[Page 15077]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF LILLINGTON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Franks of Arizona). Under a previous 
order of the House, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) 
is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th 
anniversary of the founding of my hometown, Lillington, North Carolina, 
the seat of Harnett County. For 100 years, Lillington has been home to 
many enterprising, patriotic and public-spirited citizens. Today as the 
town prepares to mark this occasion, I want to recognize the history, 
success and integrity of this remarkable community. When we talk of 
famous places, we often talk about buildings and landmarks, like the 
Capitol here in Washington, D.C., or the Empire State Building in New 
York.
  While Lillington does not have any skyscrapers, it does have people 
of great character. It is that character which has made Lillington one 
of America's great communities. Named for General Alexander Lillington, 
a hero of the American Revolutionary War who is known for his heroic 
efforts at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in 1776, Lillington is 
one of those special places that welcomes with open arms strangers and 
family alike. Its citizens sincerely care about the well-being of their 
neighbors, as evidenced by their dedication to numerous civic 
organizations, schools, and churches in the area.
  On July 4 and 5, and throughout this year, Lillington will celebrate 
its honored past and the centennial of its formal incorporation. The 
Greater Lillington Centennial Celebration will be marked by numerous 
events, including the dedication of roadside historic markers honoring 
General Lillington and Cornelius Harnett, for whom Harnett County is 
named; a lecture series honoring notable people who have lived and 
worked in the community; the installation and dedication of a town 
clock in front of town hall; the publishing of a history of the 
community entitled Lillington--A Sketchbook; and many other 
celebrations and reunions.
  After my discharge from the Army in 1968, I moved to Lillington and 
immediately discovered what a unique place it is. In Lillington, Faye 
and I have raised our three children, Bryan, Catherine and David. It is 
truly a great place to live, work and raise a family.
  Mr. Speaker, Lillington and other towns like it are the backbone of 
America. They may be hard to find on a map, but it is easy to 
understand their importance to this great Nation. It is in these tight-
knit communities that our Nation's values are shaped and future hopes 
reside. As Lillington moves into its second century, it has a bright 
future ahead of it, and I know that if we are willing to dream big and 
work hard, Lillington's next 100 years will be even more prosperous and 
purposeful than its first. I ask my colleagues to join Faye and me 
today in celebrating Lillington's 100th anniversary.

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