[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 92 (Wednesday, June 7, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S7802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         PROCLAMATION FOR VIRGIL ``SKIP'' BOWER OF KANSAS CITY

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President, as the new Republican Congress attempts 
to put government back into the hands of the people and bring back a 
sense of independence rather than dependence for so many citizens, it 
is important to recognize those individuals who have done their part at 
the community level, the very core of our society, to promote 
responsibility in others. I am proud to recognize a Missourian from 
Kansas City, Mr. Virgil Bower, known to most as ``Skip,'' who has 
devoted his life to influencing others and serving as a community 
activist, volunteer, and role model in Missouri for over 60 years.
  Mr. Bower began his volunteer service in 1934 as Scoutmaster to Boy 
Scout Troop 122, and continues to serve to this day. He has been in the 
banking business in North Kansas City since 1948, serving as a public 
relations representative. Throughout his career he has remained active 
in civic organizations. He has been publicly recognized as an 
outstanding citizen and community leader, having even been called a 
legend in the North Kansas City area.
  Mr. Bower is a man of dignity and humility who has worked hard. 
Shortly after he graduated from high school, Mr. Bower got a job 
washing dishes in a cafeteria in downtown Kansas City. He saved enough 
money to attend college and graduated from William Jewell in 1933. He 
began his career as a school teacher and found gratification in 
influencing and motivating young people to strive for excellence. He 
later became the principal of McElroy Dagg Elementary School, only to 
have his tenure cut short by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Like so many 
young men, Mr. Bower answered the call of his country and served in 
World War II as an officer in the Navy.
  Skip Bower has influenced many young people throughout the years, and 
many have followed in his footsteps, becoming community volunteers and 
serving in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.
  Recently, I received a letter from a man from Kansas City whose 
father died when he was very young. He was fortunate enough to join Boy 
Scout Troop 122 under Mr. Bower, who proved to be a source of guidance 
and influence. The young man grew up to be a successful citizen who 
attributes his sense of civic duty and leadership to Skip Bower. But 
that is just one example of how Skip Bower influenced a life and saw a 
young person grow into a responsible, productive citizen. There have 
been many more.
  For over 60 years Mr. Bower has quietly continued to touch the lives 
of students, Scouts, and North Kansas City citizens who know him from 
his banking job, the Kiwanis Club, or various other community 
activities. His accomplishments have not gone unrecognized. He was 
recently selected by Newschannel 4 as one of Kansas City's Symbols of 
Caregiving, an award reserved for 11 outstanding citizens who provide 
an example of hope and service for everyone. The Kansas City Northland 
Regional Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Virgil Bower Award for 
Community Service, named in his honor.
  Now in retirement at the age of 87, Mr. Bower continues to work half 
days greeting customers at Boatman's Bank in Kansas City. He takes 
pride in his work, and knows most of the customers who come through the 
door, as well as most people in North Kansas City. His wife of 50 years 
died over 10 years ago, but her portrait sits in his living room as a 
reminder of the life they shared. The words ``loyal, committed, and 
dedicated'' are commonly used to describe Skip Bower. He deserves our 
praise and recognition for the outstanding contributions he has made to 
Kansas City and America. Mr. Bower will leave a legacy of morality, 
responsibility, service, and leadership.


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