[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 131 (Monday, August 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    U.S. DAVY CROCKETT TURNS EIGHTY

                                 ______


                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 7, 1995
  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, our lives have all been affected by heroes 
of one kind or another. I rise today to pay tribute to one of those 
heroes who throughout his life has tried to vividly bring history to 
young and old, Mr. Leslie E. Arndt, of Linwood, MI, who will be 
celebrating his 80th birthday on August 20.
  Leslie Arndt has been known to perhaps millions as ``U.S. Davy 
Crockett'' for his portrayal of this American hero between 1955 and 
1976 in 28 States, Canada, and the 1958 World's Fair in Belgium during 
a European tour. He was significantly involved in the rededication of 
Fort Davy Crockett, in Colorado in 1959, honored by the Crockett family 
at the Alamo that same year, and is an honorary member of the National 
Descendants of David Crockett.
  His love of history of and his dealing with people have been a life-
long passion. As an author of three books--with a fourth coming soon--
detailing the history of Bay County, MI, his home county and mine, he 
has helped many understand the important part that history plays in all 
of our lives.
  He also made his own history, serving as founder of the world's first 
charted community People-to-People chapter in Bay City in 1961, 
following a program set up by President Eisenhower at a White House 
conference in 1955. He has also led delegations to give sister cities 
in Belgium, Germany, Poland, Togo, and Ontario, a better appreciation 
for what Bay City is all about. And he made sure the people of Bay City 
got the correct information by working with the editorial Department of 
the Bay City Times for 30 years as both as copy editor and Saturday 
columnist.
  His granddaughter, Michelle White, tells me she is very proud of her 
grandfather. She has every reason to be. A man who gives of himself to 
help others learn and to help others smile is a real treasure. I urge 
you, Mr. Speaker, and all of our colleagues to join me in wishing 
Leslie Arndt a most joyous 80th birthday, with the fondest wishes for 
many, many more.


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