[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 100 (Wednesday, July 27, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 27, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      IN COMMEMORATION OF IRV KUPCINET'S 50TH PURPLE HEART CRUISE

                                 ______


                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 1994

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to let my 
colleagues know about a special event taking place in my hometown of 
Chicago this afternoon, and the special person making it possible.
  For the 50th year, veterans of our Nation's Armed Forces are taking 
part in the annual Purple Heart Cruise. Hundreds of these men and women 
are enjoying a pleasant summer day traveling by boat on the Chicago 
River, passing by the buildings that make up our city's familiar 
skyline.
  And, making all of this possible is someone who is just as familiar 
to Chicagoans, and just as much an emblem of our city as any of those 
landmarks. His name is Irv Kupcinet.
  Irv Kupcinet--``Kup''--has been at the center of the action in 
Chicago during many of the great events over the years.
  As one of our town's best known journalists, he has introduced us to 
Presidents and performers, mayors and maestros, Cubs and comics. On 
radio, on television, and in the newspaper--he has brought us Bears 
games at Soldier Field, politics at city hall, and quips from the Pump 
Room.
  His columns from the Sun-Times are must reading for those who want to 
keep tabs on the comings and goings of Chicagoans.
  It is worth pointing out that although Kup has made his career 
through words, he also is a man of action. And one of his acts has been 
this annual display of gratitude.
  As the Purple Heart Cruise demonstrates, Kup is not simply a 
journalist, nor is he interested only in the feats of the famous. He 
wants Chicagoans to know about all of the people who have made this 
country great. Some of those folks do not have household names. But, as 
Kup reminds us, they are the ones who made the great sacrifices that 
protected all of us in times of war and peace.
  During the Purple Heart Cruise, there is camaraderie and 
entertainment and lots of stories retold. But, most of all, there is a 
message that the sacrifices made by our veterans are not forgotten.
  For 50 years, Kup has been making sure that Chicagoans remember that 
because of these veterans we live in a country that is free and secure.
  Mr. Speaker, I have the privilege of serving on the House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee. I do so with the hope that I can fulfill the 
obligation that we owe to our Nation's veterans, that I can help serve 
those who have served us.
  When I need an example of how to best act upon that conviction, I can 
look to the deeds of many people within this Congress. And, I can also 
look to the deeds of Irv Kupcinet.
  I know that many members join with me in wishing Kup another 
successful Purple Heart Cruise and thanking him for the work he 
continues to do on behalf of the veterans of this Nation. And I know 
that all of you will join me in congratulating Kup on 50 years of the 
Purple Heart Cruise.

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