[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18076]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 NATIONAL HERITAGE FELLOW HAZEL DICKENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. RAHALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 25th 
anniversary of the National Heritage Fellowships.
  The National Heritage Fellowships are a proud tradition that honors 
our Nation's diverse cultural heritage and West Virginia has been truly 
blessed by the music of Heritage Fellow Hazel Dickens, who was awarded 
this lifetime achievement recognition in 2001.
  As we celebrated West Virginia's birthday last week, the words of 
Hazel Dickens were close to all of our hearts, ``Oh the green rolling 
hills of West Virginia, Are the nearest thing to heaven that I know.''
  Hazel is a living legend, a spirited, talented daughter of West 
Virginia, and an important part of our musical heritage. Her legacy 
will be preserved for future generations when our efforts to create a 
Mountain Music Center are completed.
  There is something about her plain and sometimes painful poetry that 
makes us all think, if just for a moment, what a treasure home is, 
especially West Virginia.
  To Hazel, and all of the Heritage fellows, I extend my greatest 
thanks for their continued contributions to our Nation's arts heritage. 
They have given us a great gift.

                          ____________________