[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13159]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           WEST VIRGINIA DAY

 Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Madam President, I would like to take a 
moment to recognize the beautiful State which I am proud to call my 
home, West Virginia. Yesterday, June 20, was truly a day to celebrate 
our great State. One hundred and forty one years ago, West Virginia 
became the 35th State to join our Nation.
  West Virginia's travel slogan ``Wild and Wonderful'' captures the 
essence of West Virginia's terrain. In reference to the spirit of our 
landscape abundant with roaming rivers and dense forests, the early 
settlers created the state motto: ``Mountaineers are always free.'' To 
this day, West Virginia remains known for its breathtaking natural 
beauty. It is a growing destination for people from around the world 
interested in hiking, mountain biking, hunting, fishing, white water 
rafting, skiing, golf, and many other outdoor activities which take 
advantage of the natural beauty of the West Virginia hills.
  Visitors to the State are often impressed by our sweeping vistas, 
mountainous terrain, and undisturbed wilderness. Much of our beauty is 
preserved for the ages in several world class National and State Parks.
  While the landscape of the Mountain State is inspiring, it is the 
people of West Virginia who truly encapsulate the majesty and spirit of 
our State. Over the last 141 years, many different people have called 
West Virginia home. Native Americans came here for our rich hunting 
grounds. Civil War soldiers fought many battles on our land, diverse 
waves of immigrants worked in our thriving industries of glass, coal, 
steel, wood products, oil and the railroad. We have come so far over 
the last 141 years, and yet we maintain the same sense of pride in our 
culture, people, and rolling West Virginia hills.
  These historical influences helped to diversify our population and 
create the vibrant culture we enjoy today. West Virginia culture is 
famous for its pottery, glass, history, stories, and in particular, its 
music. This music, including bluegrass, ballads and gospel songs, has a 
special tie to our culture and our people, telling of our history and 
our industry. Aside from what we produce, it is who we are that makes 
West Virginia a place of which to be proud. We are a hard-working 
people, creative and sincere. The fervent, spirited people of West 
Virginia invigorate all aspects of the greater American society and 
culture.
  With the world turning to a newer high technology economy, West 
Virginia remains at the forefront with its strong contributions to 
biometrics through its growing network of biometrics companies, 
government agencies and universities. While West Virginia contributes 
in the global economy, our traditional industries of coal, steel, 
timber, and chemicals continue proudly as the base of our economy. Some 
of our finest academic institutions offer strong programs in 
engineering, physics and medicine, which contribute to our growing 
success in new fields such as biometrics technology and development. 
Also, with the ever-expanding broadband internet, more West Virginians 
are joining the internet community. Particularly in the classroom, the 
presence of high-speed internet is keeping West Virginian students 
worldly and capable in this age of technology.
  Now, as we stand at the gateway of the 21st Century, I am honored to 
recognize West Virginia's 141st birthday, and I am enormously proud to 
be a West Virginian.

                          ____________________