[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14941]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY, CITY OF MULLENS, WEST VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share with our colleagues a 
very significant anniversary being celebrated this year by the good 
people of Mullens, West Virginia. It was 100 years ago that the City of 
Mullens was incorporated. Throughout the year, families and local 
businesses have been celebrating this centennial milestone achievement.
  Known as the Dogwood City, the city's Annual Dogwood Festival draws 
families and friends from all over to share in nature's beauty with the 
blooming of so many dogwood trees throughout the area. The refreshing 
little spring blooms bring forth new hope and the promise of a new 
season. This is a message well received in this town that has truly 
known boom times as well as some bad times.
  Like the strong dense wood of the little dogwood tree, the people of 
this American small town are resilient and find strength in tradition 
and the deep roots their families have established in this home among 
Appalachia's majestic mountains. And like the finely grained wood of 
the dogwood, when it is finished and polished, the beauty ingrained in 
these good neighbors shines through to all who are touched by their 
many kindnesses. For anyone who happens by their fair city will find 
hospitality, friendliness and lending a helping hand are the rule not 
the exception.
  The roots of Mullens' contributions though extend well beyond its 
city limits. The citizens of Mullens are rightfully proud of their 
heritage as a rail and coal center to help fuel this Nation's energy 
needs. Hard work, determination and a boundless optimism that one's 
children will have a brighter future are the core values of the 
families that daily recognize the many blessings flowing from the 
benevolent hand of the Almighty.
  As Mullens continues its centennial celebration this year, I am 
honored to be invited to participate in Mullens Centennial Parade this 
Saturday. It is a fine example of how successful this community is in 
bringing townspeople together to spread the word far and wide that 
Mullens, West Virginia is looking forward to its next 100 years.

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