[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 64 (Thursday, April 6, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E801]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               JIMMY STEWART MUSEUM TO OPEN IN INDIANA, PA

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 1995
  Mr. MURTHA. Mr. Speaker, one of America's best-loved actors over the 
last 60 years is Jimmy Stewart. Recipient of the Academy Award for best 
actor for ``The Philadelphia Story'' in 1940, Jimmy Stewart appeared in 
more than 80 full-length feature films and numerous television 
specials. Who can forget his performances in such American film 
classics as ``It's a Wonderful Life'' and ``Mr. Smith Goes to 
Washington''?
  Although Jimmy Stewart is best recognized for the many film roles he 
played, too many people forget the role he also played as a fighter 
pilot in World War II. Less than a year after winning the Academy 
Award, he was in training in the Army Air Force, and by 1943 he was in 
command of a squadron in Europe. He returned from World War II a 
veteran of over 20 combat missions, and he's one of the true American 
heroes that we honor in 1995, the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of 
World War II. When he returned from the war, he didn't immediately go 
to Hollywood; he did what thousands of American soldiers did, and went 
back to his hometown--in this case, Indiana, PA.
  Indiana, PA, is the birthplace of Jimmy Stewart, and this western 
Pennsylvania town is justifiably proud of its native son. To celebrate 
his 87th birthday on May 20, the James M. Stewart Museum in Indiana 
will be dedicated. The town is planning a gala celebration, including a 
dinner, parade, and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
  The James M. Stewart Museum is bound to be a favorite stop for movie 
buffs all over the United States. I'd like to salute the folks in 
Indiana, PA, who have worked tirelessly to put this museum together and 
make it a place which tells the Jimmy Stewart story. And most of all, 
I'd like to salute Jimmy Stewart, the actor who has brought us many 
hours of pleasure in his movie and television roles, the American hero 
who fought for his country, and the native son of western Pennsylvania 
who has never forgotten his hometown.


                          ____________________