[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 30, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H4128]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO SAM GIBBONS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of May 
12, 1995, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Stearns] is recognized during 
morning business for 5 minutes.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I also want to participate in this 
commemoration to our good colleague, Sam Gibbons, and I want to thank 
the gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Brown, my colleague, for setting 
aside this time to do this.
  Mr. Speaker, it came as a surprise when Sam Gibbons announced his 
plans to retire from Congress at the end of this year. Sam Gibbons' 
name has become synonymous with Florida politics. He has represented 
the Tampa area for the past 44 years, first venturing into politics as 
a State representative and then the State senate. He was sworn into 
Congress during the Kennedy administration and for the past 34 years 
has represented Tampa in the House of Representatives.
  When I first heard about Sam's plans to retire, I couldn't help but 
recall the 50th anniversary D-day invasion ceremonies that I had the 
privilege of attending and to which Sam Gibbons was appointed as a 
special representative, by President Clinton.
  It was indeed fitting that Mr. Gibbons was specially designated as 
the President's representative. Sam has a long and distinguished career 
in service to his country. A decorated World War II veteran, he showed 
extreme bravery by parachuting into Normandy the night before D-day and 
then made his way behind enemy lines during the Normandy invasion.
  After the war he returned to Florida and commenced his law practice. 
He then began a political career that spanned several decades.
  Although we have not always agreed politically, I believe Sam has 
served his constituents well and has worked tirelessly as a champion on 
their behalf. Sam has long been considered a leader and supporter of 
free trade which he attributes to his experience during the war. Sam 
has often been heard to say: ``I believe fundamentally, people who 
trade together and work together do not fight.''
  As a fellow Floridian, I can assure you, Sam, that you will be 
missed. Your spirit and energetic nature have set you apart and truly 
demonstrate your commitment and willingness to fight for your 
convictions.
  Leaving can sometimes be difficult, but you leave knowing that you 
gave it all you've got and then some. Perhaps, now you will be able to 
find time for another great passion in life--arranging a tee time will 
now be a little easier. I wish you well in the future and I venture to 
say that whatever you do you will do with great passion and gusto.

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