Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-28

225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG

TaxesVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-01-28, Senator Susan M. Collins (R-ME) delivered a floor speech titled "225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG" in the Senate. The speech addressed taxes and also covered veterans affairs, agriculture. It referenced legislation including S338, S339.

Full Text

225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 20 (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 28, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S338-S339] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, nestled among the rugged wilderness of the western Maine mountains, the town of Strong, ME, was incorporated on January 31, 1801. This 225th anniversary is a time to celebrate the spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today. Strong's incorporation was but one milestone on a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the abundant forests and waters of the region were the hunting grounds of the Native American Tribes. The very first house that laid the foundation for a permanent community was built in 1780 by a Wabanki known as Pierpole. Drawn by the rich natural resources, other settlers followed, and at the dawn of the 19th century, the town was established by Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong. The rich soil supported prosperous farms and the fast-moving Sandy River powered lumber and grain mills. In the years that followed, Strong became a rural industrial powerhouse, including footwear, furniture, textiles, and Maine's first cheese factory. By the mid-20th century, the Forster Manufacturing Company was the world's largest maker of toothpicks, producing some 20 million per day. The townspeople used their prosperity to built what has been called ``the prettiest village in Maine,'' with handsome homes, churches, and schools. Education remains a center of community life, with the high- performing Strong Elementary School being named a National Blue Ribbon School. From the American Revolution to our time, Strong has always been a town of patriots, with a veterans memorial paying tribute to those who defend freedom. Among the most illustrious veterans is Lt. James Porter. After graduating from West Point in 1869, he served with the 7th Cavalry in the Reconstruction Era South under George Armstrong Custer and distinguished himself by his courage during the mission the eradicate the Ku Klux Klan. In 1876, he was among the 268 members of the legendary regiment who fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In recent years, the townspeople have worked together to dedicate the Lance Corporal Scott B. Paul Memorial Park in honor of the young marine who fell [[Page S339]] in 1992 during the Gulf War. A section of the beautiful park, the Sgt. Richard Parker Memorial Wing, pays tribute to a local hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. Every summer, the town celebrates it history and community spirit with Pierpole Days, a festival of parades, food, music, and family fun. The 2026 festival will surely be a memorable celebration of the people who for more than two centuries have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a community. I congratulate the town of Strong, ME, on this landmark anniversary. ____________________

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225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 20 (Wednesday, January 28, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 28, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S338-S339] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF STRONG Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, nestled among the rugged wilderness of the western Maine mountains, the town of Strong, ME, was incorporated on January 31, 1801. This 225th anniversary is a time to celebrate the spirit of determination and resiliency that still guides the community today. Strong's incorporation was but one milestone on a long journey of progress. For thousands of years, the abundant forests and waters of the region were the hunting grounds of the Native American Tribes. The very first house that laid the foundation for a permanent community was built in 1780 by a Wabanki known as Pierpole. Drawn by the rich natural resources, other settlers followed, and at the dawn of the 19th century, the town was established by Massachusetts Governor Caleb Strong. The rich soil supported prosperous farms and the fast-moving Sandy River powered lumber and grain mills. In the years that followed, Strong became a rural industrial powerhouse, including footwear, furniture, textiles, and Maine's first cheese factory. By the mid-20th century, the Forster Manufacturing Company was the world's largest maker of toothpicks, producing some 20 million per day. The townspeople used their prosperity to built what has been called ``the prettiest village in Maine,'' with handsome homes, churches, and schools. Education remains a center of community life, with the high- performing Strong Elementary School being named a National Blue Ribbon School. From the American Revolution to our time, Strong has always been a town of patriots, with a veterans memorial paying tribute to those who defend freedom. Among the most illustrious veterans is Lt. James Porter. After graduating from West Point in 1869, he served with the 7th Cavalry in the Reconstruction Era South under George Armstrong Custer and distinguished himself by his courage during the mission the eradicate the Ku Klux Klan. In 1876, he was among the 268 members of the legendary regiment who fell at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. In recent years, the townspeople have worked together to dedicate the Lance Corporal Scott B. Paul Memorial Park in honor of the young marine who fell [[Page S339]] in 1992 during the Gulf War. A section of the beautiful park, the Sgt. Richard Parker Memorial Wing, pays tribute to a local hero who made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. Every summer, the town celebrates it history and community spirit with Pierpole Days, a festival of parades, food, music, and family fun. The 2026 festival will surely be a memorable celebration of the people who for more than two centuries have pulled together, cared for one another, and built a community. I congratulate the town of Strong, ME, on this landmark anniversary. ____________________