[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THOMAS ALVA EDISON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 1997

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying 
tribute to Thomas Alva Edison, the greatest inventor, whose 150th 
birthday was February 11. He was a man whose vision transformed America 
from an agrarian nation into an urban-industrial power. He almost 
single-handedly ushered the world from the age of steam into the age of 
electricity. Thomas Edison embodies everything noble about our great 
country.
  He was born to Canadian immigrants Samuel and Nancy Edison in Milan, 
OH, on February 11, 1847. As a young, inquisitive boy he was actually 
expelled from elementary school for asking too many questions. Instead, 
he was taught at home by his mother and by his own intellect and 
curiosity. Despite these difficulties, he became one of the most 
prolific inventors in history.
  There are few Americans who can claim that their vision, their 
creativity, their hard work and their entrepreneurial imagination have 
positively benefited the lives of virtually every human being on the 
planet for the last century.
  Thomas Edison is one such person. He received a record 1,093 patents. 
These were for inventions such as the electric light bulb, the 
phonograph, and the motion picture camera. He also revolutionized the 
electric power generation and distribution systems, marking the true 
beginnings of the world's electric utility industry.
  California has particularly benefited from this great man's genius. 
He created our film and recording industries which now employ over 
half-a-million people and exceed more than $40 billion in annual 
worldwide revenues. Even today, one of the world's largest energy 
companies based in California, still bears his name: Edison 
International.
  Perhaps Edison's greatest contribution to the science community was 
establishing the world's first research laboratory. His lab in West 
Orange, NJ, is now designated as the Edison National Historic Site.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Thomas Alva Edison for 
his contributions to all mankind. He is an American we can proudly 
point to as a role model for our youth and as an inspiration to our 
future.

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