[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 159 (Thursday, November 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MARGARET ``PADDY'' WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. HELEN CHENOWETH-HAGE

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 10, 1999

  Mrs. CHENOWETH-HAGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor American 
veterans of all wars for the sacrifices they've made to preserve our 
freedom, our heritage, and our American way of life. On Thursday, 
November 11, 1999, we will celebrate Veterans Day across America, and 
we have much to be proud of in this great Nation of ours. I want to 
personally offer my deepest thanks to the brave soldiers who have 
either served or are currently serving in the Armed Services.
  In addition, I would like to pay a special tribute to U.S. Airman 
Margaret ``Paddy'' Ward. As a 19-year-old Air Force enlistee, she 
accomplished what no woman had before. She became the first female 
member of the U.S. armed services to travel at twice the speed of sound 
and only the second woman in the world to do so. Her historic flight 
took place in an F-106 Delta Dart, which traveled along the Atlantic 
coast in March 1963. Newspaper accounts describe how calm she was, 
despite the still experimental nature of her flight. Truly, Airman 
Ward's flight is an inspiring story of personal bravery.
  Mr. Speaker, I find it extremely heartening that our country can 
produce someone so young with such courage and enthusiasm. It is no 
wonder that with such people we have become the successful nation that 
we are.
  Sadly, Airman Ward was taken away from us a mere 10 years later at 
the age of 29. Yet we should remember her for the example that she set. 
And if God has chosen that she die in youth, then we should console 
ourselves in remembering her as the youthful girl who climbed the 
heavens that historic day.
  Thinking upon her unique accomplishment, I am reminded of a poem by 
Leonard Heath:

Yet spirit immortal, the tomb cannot bind thee,
But like thine own eagle that soars to the sun
Thou springest from bondage and leavest behind thee
A name which before thee no mortal hath won.

  Mr. Speaker, U.S. Airman Margaret ``Paddy'' Ward was truly an 
American hero.

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