[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 114 (Wednesday, September 3, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATIVE STAMP FOR AVA GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 3, 1997

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a resolution to provide 
a commemorative stamp for Ava Gardner, one of America's most 
accomplished actresses and native of the town of Smithfield in the 
Second Congressional District of North Carolina. I would like to submit 
the text of this resolution for the Record, and I strongly urge my 
colleagues to sign on as cosponsors of this resolution:
  Whereas Ava Lavinia Gardner is one of America's most accomplished 
actresses this century;
  Whereas her work was world renowned, taking her around the country 
and globe, residing in New York, California, Spain, and England, 
spreading the goodwill of the American people and setting the mark in 
film, radio, and television for aspiring actresses and actors to 
follow;
  Whereas, her movie career was recognized by her peers and industry, 
receiving the Golden Globe Best Actress in a Drama nomination for 
``Night of the Iguana'' (1964), the Academy of Motion Pictures Merit 
for Outstanding Achievement Best Actress nomination for ``Mogambo'' 
(1953), and the Look Film Achievement Award for her performance in 
``The Hucksters'' (1947);
  Whereas, her work personified and led the true golden age of 
Hollywood, when stories were of the heart and when values dictated 
one's performance such as her role as Sarah in ``The Bible . . . in the 
Beginning,'' recognized as the best picture of the month for the whole 
family with the Box Office Blue-Ribbon Award (1966);
  Whereas, her patriotism was unparalleled, recognized by the United 
States Armed Forces for her spirit of public service, and distinguished 
performance as guest star of the Armed Forces radio network's 
production of ``Victorious Lady'';
  Whereas, Time Magazine, one of the world's most widely read 
publications, recognized her achievements in 1951, dedicating its from 
cover to Ava Gardner, and becoming the first female from her home State 
of North Carolina ever to grace its cover;
  Whereas, though she rose to great heights from humble beginnings, 
living the American Dream through hard work and perseverance, she never 
forgot the needs of people as she worked tirelessly for cancer research 
funding, nor the people of Johnston County, North Carolina, where she 
was born the youngest of five daughters and two sons of Jonas and Mary 
Elizabeth Gardner, later attending high school in the Rock Ridge 
Community and on to the then Atlantic Christian College (Barton 
College) in Wilson, North Carolina;
  Whereas, citizens from every State in the United States and across 
the world revere her work, visiting the Ava Gardner Museum in 
Smithfield, North Carolina, and her numerous related worldwide web 
Internet sights, as well as on television, enjoying her work in 
episodes of the hit television series ``Knots Landing'' and her life 
story through biographical television movies;
  Whereas, her work carries on, despite her passing from this earth 
January 25, 1990;
  Whereas, Ava Lavinia Gardner is one of America's most accomplished 
actresses this century, leading the Hollywood golden age, spreading the 
goodwill and patriotism of the American people around the globe, and 
setting the mark in film, radio, and television of aspiring actresses 
and actors to follow;
  Whereas, the ``Ava Gardner 2000 Stamp Committee,'' spearheaded by the 
Ava Gardner Museum and the work of its indefatigable volunteers in 
Smithfield, North Carolina, to celebrate her life has targeted the 
decade anniversary of her passing of January 25, 2000, for the 
publication of a commemorative stamp by the United States Postal 
Service: Therefore, be it
  Resolved, that it is the sense of the House of Representatives that a 
commemorative postage stamp should be issued by the United States 
Postal Service in honor of Ava Gardner; and that the Citizen's Stamp 
Advisory Committee of the United States Postal Service should recommend 
to the Postmaster General that such a postage stamp be issued.

                          ____________________