Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Pages S5191-S5192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF MADAWASKA, MAINE
Ms. COLLINS. Madam President, I rise today to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the Town of Madawaska ME. Located in Aroostook County,
our State's northernmost region, Madawaska is in the heart of the St.
John River Valley, the center of our rich Acadian culture. I am honored
to celebrate the generations of industrious and caring people who have
made Madawaska such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise
families.
Madawaska has a fascinating history. For thousands of years, the St.
John River Valley has been the home of the Maliseet Tribe. French
explorers, led by Samuel de Champlain, first visited the area in 1604
and established friendly relationships with the Native Americans.
In 1785, French-speaking Canadians fleeing persecution in British
Canada journeyed up the St. John River in search of liberty. They
marked the spot of their landing with a large wooden cross in gratitude
for the safe haven they had found. Today, the rebuilt Acadian Cross is
an enduring reminder of the determination and courage of those first
settlers. The Tante Blanche Museum honors the heroism and compassion of
Marguerite Blanche Thibodeau Cyr, who fed the hungry and cared for the
sick during a famine in 1797.
The Maliseets often provided vital assistance during the first
difficult years. From fertile soil, vast forests, and their own hard
work, the settlers created a prosperous community that laid the
foundation for the vibrant Acadian culture that is so important in
Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and as far away as Louisiana.
Following the American Revolution, the region was the scene of a
decades-long border dispute between our new Nation and British Canada.
Although the bloodless Aroostook War did not result in armed conflict,
it was a period of great tension and uncertainty, with both sides
seeking control of the increasingly valuable timberlands. As the
national governments of Great Britain and the United States negotiated
a peaceful resolution, the province of New Brunswick laid claim to the
disputed area. On July 4, 1827, a band of pro-American settlers
declared the independence of the Republic of Madawaska with its own
flag and the intention of joining the United States.
In response, the Maine Legislature established the Territory of
Madawaska in 1831, creating what was called the world's biggest town,
with an area of more than 4,000 square miles. The border dispute was
settled by treaty in 1842. Peace was maintained between the United
States and Canada. Settlement to the region increase greatly, and in
1869, the town of Madawaska was incorporate.
Today, more than 80 percent of the town's residents speak French, and
they continue to uphold the Acadian traditions of great food, music,
and dance, and of close-knit families and lasting friendships. The
annual Acadian Festival in August is a highlight of the year and a
funfilled celebration of this great heritage.
[[Page S5192]]
To my Franco-American friends, it is a pleasure to congratulate you
on this landmark anniversary. Across the generations, you have worked
hard and worked together to create a community that combines your rich
heritage with the values that define our State and our Nation.
Mr. President, the celebration of Madawaska's 150th anniversary is
not merely about the passing of time, it is about human accomplishment.
We celebrate the people who pulled together, cared for one another, and
built a great community.
=========================== NOTE ===========================
On page S5192, July 30, 2019, first column, the following
appears: Mr. President, the celebration of Madawaska's 15th
anniversary is not merely about the passing of time, it is about
human accomplishment. We celebrate the people who pulled together,
cared for one another, and built a great community.
The online Record has been corrected to read: Mr. President, the
celebration of Madawaska's 150th anniversary is not merely about
the passing of time, it is about human accomplishment. We
celebrate the people who pulled together, cared for one another,
and built a great community.
========================= END NOTE =========================
____________________
