[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11199]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CELEBRATING WEST VIRGINIA DAY

  Mr. ROCKEFELLER. Mr. President, I call to the Senate's attention that 
on June 20, 147 years ago, a 35th State was added to our great Nation: 
West Virginia, whose birthday is a time for us to remember proudly our 
state's rich history, culture and unique qualities.
  Nearly 150 years ago, West Virginia became the only State to have 
seceded from a Confederate entity to join the Union. Each year after, 
West Virginia has continued to develop its own identity and contribute 
to our Nation's fabric. Our State's history, past and present, is rich 
with development and progress that fills West Virginians with pride 
every day.
  West Virginia's mountainous terrain, countless river valleys, and 
rich natural resources have driven our State's history and economy, and 
draw visitors from across the globe. Our State possesses timeless 
landmarks and attractions, and has an abundance of natural beauty to 
share.
  President John F. Kennedy once said, ``The Sun does not always shine 
in West Virginia, but the people always do.'' This statement is a true 
testament not only to the kind and hospitable nature of our citizens, 
but also to our fortitude, determination and abiding faith.
  Though a ``stranger to blue water,'' West Virginia has been no 
stranger to turmoil throughout its history. We have been and will 
continue to be undaunted in overcoming the challenges of yesterday, 
today, and tomorrow.
  This year we stood together to face the tragic explosion at the Upper 
Big Branch mine that claimed the lives of 29 miners and left a 
community and our whole state in mourning, calling again on the 
steadfast spirit of our people. The devastating effects of the 
explosion left mining families holding their breath for news of loved 
ones. Rescue teams and the State's Red Cross and Salvation Army 
expeditiously rose to the challenge to offer much needed support. True 
to custom, West Virginians across the State were ready and remain eager 
to lend a helping hand to their neighbors affected by the disaster.
  And this year, like so many others before, we have called on the West 
Virginia National Guard to serve the State when we need them most, and 
to perform invaluable duties outside our borders--providing security on 
a global scale. Our West Virginia National Guard has garnered top 
rankings for readiness for many years, showcasing the motivation and 
commitment behind each one of our men and women serving our country.
  West Virginia possesses the unique ability to make the traditions we 
have historically treasured as much a part of our bright future as our 
accomplished past. Our State continues to retain its culture as an 
integral part of our identity. Festivals and events, like Bridge Day at 
the New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville and the Vandalia Gathering 
in Charleston, bring older and younger generations together to enjoy 
State treasures and traditions. Blues festivals can be found across our 
State, and from Martinsburg to Mullens you can find world-class 
artisans and craftsmen in the fields of glass blowing, classic 
woodwork, and folk art.
  Thanks to West Virginia's dedication to education, our academic 
institutions consistently bring new discoveries to the fields of 
science and technology. And, our athletic programs continue to rank 
among the best in the country. West Virginia University's men's 
basketball team reached the Final Four in this year's NCAA Basketball 
Tournament representing the state on a national stage. And, football 
fans across our state eagerly await an upcoming football season that 
promises to be successful for all of our programs in West Virginia.
  There is so much to honor, celebrate, and be thankful for on West 
Virginia's 147th birthday. Our past, present, and future are as 
colorful as our Appalachian hills in autumn. Our people know and live 
well by our motto-- Montani Semper Liberi--``Mountaineers are always 
free,'' and our strong work ethic, one of God and family, and 
indubitable spirit makes our country and our State great. With these 
words ever present, and on behalf of myself and my fellow West 
Virginians, I proudly wish the happiest of birthdays to my home State, 
West Virginia.

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