[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 56 (Monday, May 5, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E836-E837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         AWARDING THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO FRANK SINATRA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. SONNY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 1997

  Mr. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 279 and the awarding 
of a Congressional Gold Medal to a great American, Mr. Francis Albert 
Sinatra. Or, as the entire world knows him, Frank Sinatra. I also wish 
to commend my colleague, Mr. Serrano of New York, for all his efforts 
on behalf of this legislation.
  Aside from the fact that while growing up Frank Sinatra was my total 
hero, and I desperately wanted him to marry my sister so I

[[Page E837]]

could be related to him, Frank Sinatra helped define America for the 
rest of the world. He was the epitome of the American dream, rising 
from modest surroundings to become the biggest recording artist in the 
world. Although he was not a scholar, his impact on our national 
culture was enormous. And, it was a very positive impact. Frank became 
as identified with America as ``mom and apple pie.''
  Everyone knows about Frank Sinatra's success as an entertainer. He 
made hundreds of hit records, was awarded three Oscars, received seven 
Grammys, a Peabody Award, and an Emmy. But many people don't know that 
he was also a great philanthropist and humanitarian. They may not know 
about this side of Frank Sinatra because of his modest nature and the 
quiet way he went about helping others. I know how often Frank Sinatra 
helped friends in need and total strangers. He contributed his name, 
time, and money to many, many worthwhile causes never desiring credit 
or recognition. But his generosity is legendary among those who know 
him. That is why he was honored with some of the Nation's most 
prestigious humanitarian awards--the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the 
Academy of Arts and Sciences' Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, the 
Life Achievement Award of the NAACP, and many others. In my community 
of Palm Springs, Frank Sinatra contributed generously to so many 
causes, including the creation of the Martin Anthony Sinatra Medical 
Education Center in honor of his father.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to know Frank Sinatra, and I am 
proud to consider him a friend and inspiration. We are honoring a truly 
great American.

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