[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 145 (Friday, October 7, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 7, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               NINETIETH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO JOSEF MEIER

  Mr. PRESSLER. Madam President, I wish to take a few moments to honor 
Josef Meier, one of the giants of South Dakota's tourism industry, on 
the occasion of his 90th birthday. To anyone familiar with tourism in 
the Black Hills, the Passion Play and Josef Meier are synonymous. South 
Dakotans do not think of one without the other.
  Because the Passion Play and the Meier Family have played a major 
role in South Dakota tourism and economic development the city of 
Spearfish and the State of South Dakota have jointly proclaimed October 
9, 1994, as Josef Meier Day.
  In 1938, after examining numerous possible sites throughout the 
United States, Josef Meier brought his Passion Play to the Black Hills 
of South Dakota. Since that time, he has been in the forefront in the 
development of the Northern Black Hills tourism industry. In 1954, 
Josef Meier and the citizens of Spearfish were presented the Freedoms 
Foundation Award, a reflection of their significant achievements in 
community development.
  The beauty and powerful message of the Passion Play have attracted 
thousands to the Black Hills of South Dakota. For over 50 years, Josef 
Meier himself played the challenging role of Jesus Christ. Although 
health problems led to his retirement a few years ago, Josef's daughter 
and son-in-law have assumed the leadership reins, and the Passion Play 
performances continue.
  Performed in an outdoor amphitheater with a cast of 250 and using 
live animals, the Passion Play's 22 scenes provide a truly memorable 
experience. Before his retirement, my wife, Harriet, and I had the 
opportunity to see Josef Meier's memorable performance.
  I always have appreciated Josef's support and friendship over the 
years. His advice on tourism and other issues has been invaluable. 
Several years ago, Josef testified at a Senate Tourism Subcommittee 
field hearing I held at Mount Rushmore. His expertise and experience 
continue to provide valuable lessons for those who work in the tourism 
and service industries.
  I congratulate Josef Meier on this joyous occasion marking his 90th 
birthday. His successful career has rewarded hundreds of thousands, if 
not millions, of South Dakotans, other Americans, and foreign tourists. 
He is truly a legendary pioneer of South Dakota's tourism industry.

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