[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17063]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF CHATOM, ALABAMA

 Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to 
recognize the town of Chatom in my home state of Alabama. On October 4, 
2004, the Town of Chatom will celebrate its 100th birthday. Named the 
county seat of Washington County in 1907, the town later became the 
home of the county's first high school. Washington County Hospital and 
Nursing Home, where an uncle of mine was ably cared for, was founded 
there in 1952. In 1956, Chatom citizens founded the beautiful 
Washington County Public Library. Chatom became a regional leader in 
aviation when Roy Wilcox Airport was established there in 1963. In 
1995, the town extended its appeal to additional tourists and golf 
enthusiasts by opening an eighteen hole golf course. Reflecting the 
hospitable environment of the town, residents established the Chatom 
Community Center in 2000. Lake Ellis opened that same year, providing 
increased avenues for fellowship and leisure to both residents and 
visitors. Currently, the Town of Chatom encompasses a population of 
1,205.
  I firmly believe that it is out of the small towns and rural 
communities of America that there arises the rich values that shape our 
State and Nation. People know and care for one another. They go to 
church. They encourage the children of the community. They stand up for 
truth, justice and common sense. That is the way they were raised and 
that raising forms the basis for a fierce sense of independence, a 
respect for the ownership of property, and a love of democracy, where 
people from the heart of America rule. They love and respect America, 
they understand the exceptional character of our country, obey her 
laws, and send their sons and daughters to defend her just national 
interests. Without the people of Chatom and millions like them, we 
would cease to bear the stamp, ``American''.
  Chatom has been a commercial and educational center for southwest 
Alabama for many years. In fact, I recently found a diploma of another 
uncle, Harry A. Powe, Jr., who came down from Black Creek outside Silas 
to graduate from Chatom High School in the 1920s.
  The rich history and character of Chatom are proof of the leadership 
potential of Americans intent upon the pursuit of the American dream 
and the promotion of American ideals. Since its founding on October 4, 
1904, the Town of Chatom has been a leader of Washington County, due 
not only to its expanding educational and economical opportunities but 
also to the hard work and good hearts of its people. As Chatom prepares 
to celebrate its centennial, we should pause to look forward to the 
future achievements of its citizens. I congratulate and commend Chatom 
for its accomplishments and continued growth. I thank the residents of 
Chatom for their examples of American ideals and southern 
hospitality.

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