[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 106 (Thursday, July 18, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     LEONARD AND RUBY BASSETT CELEBRATE GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 1996

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to commemorate 
Leonard and Ruby Bassett on their golden wedding anniversary. The 
Bassetts' children, Leonard Jr., Dennis, Leatha, and Oddette, are 
hosting a joyous celebration honoring their parents' 50 years of love, 
friendship and devotion. This event will be held this Saturday, July 
20, 1996, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN.
  While in their early twenties Leonard Bassett and Ruby Holman met in 
the spring of 1946 at a dance hall located across from Froebel High 
School in Gary. Mr. Bassett had just returned from 28 months of service 
in the U.S. Navy and resolved to attend a dance that was being held for 
young adults. It was there that they first met. The two knew of each 
other during their years at Roosevelt High School, but they did not 
formally meet until this magical night at the dance.
  After courting for a couple of months, the two discovered that they 
shared the same dreams of settling down and starting a family. After a 
short period of dating, Leonard and Ruby knew that they had found true 
love and that they were destined to be partners in life. Shortly 
thereafter, Leonard and Ruby were joined in holy matrimony on July 21, 
1946.
  During the Bassetts' 50 years of marriage they had 4 children: 
Leonard, Jr., Dennis, Leatha, and Oddette. The Bassetts are thankful 
that, following graduation from Roosevelt High School, all four of 
their children were able to continue on to higher education and 
establish themselves in their respective careers.
  In 1983, Leonard retired from U.S. Steel after devoting 37 years of 
his life to the steel industry. Leonard retired as a production 
foreman. When Ruby retired, she was head cook of the Gary Community 
School Corp. Currently, she is a part-time employee with the Lake 
County government. Ruby is also a precinct committee person and co-
captain of the fifth precinct in Gary.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the Bassetts as they celebrate 50 years of marriage. In 
today's world, it is refreshing to see two people who have devoted 
their lives to creating a successful marriage and happy family. May the 
Bassetts be a positive role model for today's young couples who are 
starting families. They are proof that a little dedication and a lot of 
love can make marriage one of life's most magnificent experiences.

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