[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E958]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FRANK SINATRA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mrs. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in order to commemorate one of 
the great Americans of our century, Mr. Francis ``Frank'' Albert 
Sinatra. At the same time I rise to express the sadness that has 
befallen Palm Springs, the Nation and around the world. He was the son 
of immigrant parents, an entertainer, a humanitarian, a husband and a 
father, as well as a long-time resident of California and the City of 
Palm Springs. We mourn because we have lost someone who embodied so 
many of the traits that we admire--talent, triumph over adversity, 
friendship and caring.
  ``Ole' Blue Eyes'' was the best at his craft, and we shall always 
remember him for this. He overcame his Depression-era roots in Hoboken, 
New Jersey to set the standard of excellence in many fields. His 
professional accomplishments are numerous and of legendary proportion. 
He starred in more than sixty films and recorded countless albums. His 
extraordinary talents were acknowledged in many ways. He won the 
Academy Award for his role in the 1953 film classic, From Here to 
Eternity. He won nine Grammy awards for his musical accomplishments. 
Certainly the most important reward for any performer is the love and 
respect he gets back from the audience. By the measure, Frank may have 
been the most successful entertainer in history. It was said that he 
had more than 2,000 fan clubs across the country.
  People should also remember that he was devoted to numerous 
humanitarian and charitable causes, often without seeking the credit or 
publicity that he deserved. He lent his name as well as giving millions 
of dollars for a variety of very worthy causes including Desert 
Hospital, Catholic Charities and a Palm Springs celebrity golf 
tournament to help the victims of child abuse. In addition, one of the 
leading medical institutions of its kind is the Barbara Sinatra 
Children's Center which I am proud to say is located in and serves the 
Palm Springs and Desert Resort communities.
  I was not a Member of Congress last year when this distinguished body 
voted to award him the Congressional Gold Medal. Nevertheless, I can 
attest that this was a fitting honor for a man of his high caliber. 
Now, as a Member, I wish to take this opportunity to send my deepest 
condolences to his wife Barbara, all of the children, and the entire 
Sinatra family at this most difficult time. Worldwide, the fans of one 
of the greatest entertainers of our time will carry memories of Frank 
with us always.

                          ____________________