[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[House]
[Page H2570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING AMELIA EARHART

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Ryun] is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RYUN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a great woman, a great 
Kansan, and a great American. Amelia Mary Earhart was born on July 24, 
1897 in Atchison, KS as the grandchild of original Kansas pioneers.
  The pioneering spirit never left Amelia as she achieved a collection 
of firsts and world records in which we should all take pride. These 
include the first woman to receive pilot certification, the first woman 
to fly nonstop across the United States; the first woman to fly solo 
across the Atlantic Ocean; and the first woman to receive the 
Distinguished Flying Cross.
  Amelia Earhart was an early advocate of commercial aviation and 
lectured in the 1930's that one day people would fly through the sky 
every day to get from one place to another.
  Earhart's commitment to aviation was equaled by her commitment to 
advancing equality and opportunity for women. She served as an 
aeronautical adviser and women's career counselor at Purdue University. 
She promoted equality for women in public presentations and 
appearances, but most importantly, Amelia Earhart led by example, by 
doing things that no one thought possible.

                              {time}  1900

  Even in her disappearance, Amelia Earhart was striving to do that 
which had never been done, to become the first woman to circle the 
globe. This year marks the centennial celebration of the life and 
achievements of Amelia Earhart. We recognize this daughter of Atchison, 
KS, and honor her extraordinary contributions to women, science, 
aeronautics, and the Nation.

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