[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 12 (Tuesday, February 4, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATIONS TO SUPER BOWL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 21, 1997, the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Kind] is recognized 
during morning hour debates for 5 minutes.
  Mr. KIND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally congratulate the 
Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers and to thank them for finally 
returning the Vince Lombardi trophy back home to the State of Wisconsin 
where it belongs.
  This season, Packer fans old and new watched the progress of the 
NFL's only community-owned team from the NFL's smallest city. It is a 
remarkable story as old as history: When David first slew Goliath, when 
Moses led his people out of Egypt, when 13 little-known small colonies 
took on the great might, the world power of Great Britain and King 
George and won their independence.
  The Packer's success has rekindled the spirit of Green Bay and the 
entire State of Wisconsin, as well as the spirit of small towns and 
small cities across America. In an era when some professional athletes 
are failing as role models, the Packers organization consistently 
produces outstanding members of the community.
  Take a look at Brett Favre's story. It is a remarkable story. A 
superstar who realized that he was addicted to pain killers, fought 
through that, won a second MVP award for the NFL, and then led his team 
on to the Super Bowl victory; and Reggie White, the catalyst, the glue, 
that held the team together, gave great pride to the entire Green Bay 
area and State of Wisconsin; one defensive man who probably dominated 
the sport more than any other defensive player in the history of the 
NFL, but who always reminded us also always, always remember who the 
glory belongs to, and that is to God.
  Last week, over 100,000 people braved subzero weather for many, many 
hours waiting to welcome the Green Bay Packers home to their city as 
Super Bowl champions, and I think that story tells it all. That is why 
it is my great honor today to congratulate the entire Packer 
organization and their many, many loyal and patient fans, not only in 
Green Bay, but in Wisconsin and throughout the country and to honor the 
Packers and the remarkable achievement on the floor of the House of 
Representatives and before this Nation today.

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