[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 17776] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]HONORING THE CITY OF FOREST PARK, GEORGIA ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY ______ HON. DAVID SCOTT of georgia in the house of representatives Wednesday, July 30, 2008 Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Forest Park for reaching their 100th Anniversary. Forest Park began as Forest Station/Astor on just one square mile of land chartered in 1908. This early community was mostly comprised of farming families, but quickly grew as Forest Park became an important railroad stop close to the bustling hub of Atlanta. Although the railroad gradually lost its more prominent role in the area, the people of Forest Park worked with the railroad and with their neighbors to find new opportunities for themselves and for their community. Their perseverance and hard work have paid off, helping to make Forest Park one of the largest cities in Clayton County and an important center of commerce for Georgia and the Southeast. Today Forest Park is home to over 21,000 dedicated and productive citizens. This diverse community deserves our commendation for setting a positive example for Georgia and our great nation as a whole. I praise Forest Park for its commitment to its citizens through an outstanding police and fire department, school system, and overall community atmosphere. I also applaud Forest Park for fostering strong and affordable community recreation and leisure programs. These activities serve to bring people of all backgrounds and experiences together in friendship and collaboration. I am proud to see these endeavors encouraging a healthy and dynamic environment for the citizens of Forest Park and promoting positive community values throughout the area. Forest Park will be holding a centennial celebration for just this purpose on August 14th, 15th, and 16th. This celebration will not only serve as a time of fun and enjoyment, but will also educate the public on the rich history of Forest Park. I also look forward to the increased participation and partnership of the citizenry, public institutions, and local businesses during this time and trust this close connection will continue into the future as it has for the past 100 years. This commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Forest Park is sure to be an enjoyable and fruitful enterprise for all involved. I would further like to laud the dedicated efforts of Mayor Corine Deyton, and City Council members Sparkle Adams, Debbie Youmans, Maudie McCord, Donald Judson, and Linda Lord for their just and spirited public service in the governing of the City of Forest Park. Congratulations on reaching this 100 year milestone are also certainly due to the citizens of Forest Park. Without their tenacity and resolve, Forest Park would certainly not be the active and vibrant city that it is today. I wish them well in continuing to enrich the lives of their neighbors and in maintaining a beautiful and prosperous community for the 100, 200, 300 years to come. In closing, I wish the City of Forest Park a Happy 100th Birthday. As the U.S. Representative to the 13th District of Georgia, I honor the City of Forest Park, its leaders, and its inhabitants for reaching this milestone and look forward to the continuation of its proud legacy. ____________________