Commemorating the Unveiling of the Millennium Wall

by Judith Borg Biggert

COMMEMORATING THE UNVEILING OF THE MILLENNIUM WALL

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HON. JUDY BIGGERT

OF ILLINOIS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Thursday, August 5, 1999

Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell you about a celebration.

This is no ordinary get-together, though. It is Celebration 2000 and it will take place at the turn of the Millennium in what I must immodestly report is one of the most vibrant communities in America-- Naperville, Illinois.

Celebration 2000 will be three days of fun for the people of Naperville. This event will honor the past, while it imagines the future. The activities include fireworks, parades, banquets, dancing, theater, music, spiritual gatherings, sports and games, writing and visual arts contests, and a torchwalk to recognize each of the past ten centuries. But what will heighten the joy of the event is the community spirit that is making it happen.

Naperville is the fastest growing city in America's heartland. Too often, such rapid change stretches and tears the fabric of a community. But not Naperville. This city has developed one of the liveliest downtowns you will find. It has nurtured a riverwalk that has been called the most beautiful mile-long stretch in Illinois. It has one of the best school systems anywhere. A national research group recently named Naperville as the best city in America in which to raise a child. It is truly a big city with a small town atmosphere.

As you can imagine, Celebration 2000 is a gala for, by and of the people of Naperville. Next month, the names of those who made the celebration a reality will be inscribed on a beautiful millennium labyrinth and wall. These will include Mayor George Pradel and Councilwoman Mary Ellingson, the remarkable co-chairs of the Celebration 2000 committee.

Along with the Naperville Millennium Tower and Carillon, which I told this House about recently, these festivities will ring in the new year with the sounds of community, abundance and joy.

It is no wonder that the White House Millennium Council has designated Naperville as one of fewer than 20 cities in the entire nation as a model for others to follow.

For three days, the people of Naperville will rejoice in their blessings and generosity. I know you will join me in standing to wish them all the best of happiness.

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