[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 103 (Monday, July 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S7777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    TRIBUTE TO BARON GEORG VON TRAPP

 Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
American and Austrian hero, Baron Georg von Trapp, on the 50th 
anniversary of his death. During his lifetime, Baron von Trapp stood 
for honor and courage. He held a deep devotion for both his country and 
his family. Baron von Trapp was remembered on the week-end of July 11, 
in a celebration at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT. I regret that 
I was unable to attend, however I would like to take this opportunity 
to remember the significance of his life, made famous by the 1965 
movie, ``The Sound of Music.''
  It is a reflection of Baron von Trapp's spirit that he is not only an 
American legend, but he is also considered a hero in Austria, the 
homeland that he fled 60 years ago. It is a tribute to his excellence 
that the 89 members of the 1997 graduating class of the Theresianum 
Military Academy, the Austrian equivalent to West Point, voted Baron 
von Trapp their class hero, someone whom they all wished to emulate.
  Baron von Trapp was a celebrated military commander. He was honored 
with two medals for courage in battle, including the Maria Theresian 
Ritter Medal, Austria's highest, for sinking a French submarine in 
1915. He was also influential in the development of submarine warfare 
and torpedoes. However, his love and devotion for his country never 
underscored the importance of his family. He made an intense connection 
with his children through music. Out of this connection came the famous 
Trapp Family Singers. When the Nazis invaded and were pressuring Baron 
von Trapp to join Hitler's ranks, he asked his family if they wanted to 
leave for America, saying that if anyone wanted to stay, they would all 
stay. Everyone wanted to leave.
  Although nothing could replace the love he had for his homeland, 
Baron von Trapp did grow to love his new home in Vermont. He found new 
passions in maple sugaring and farming. Because they spent most of the 
year touring, they rented out rooms in their lodge to skiers, starting 
what would eventually become a landmark in Vermont, the Trapp Family 
Lodge.
  Once again, I would like to express my admiration for Baron von Trapp 
and his entire family on the anniversary of his death.

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