[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 15 (Wednesday, February 16, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SALUTE TO THE GREAT EXPLORER MATTHEW HENSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 16, 2000

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special 
tribute to the life and career of an African-American who can be 
considered one of the great arctic explorers, Matthew Henson. Mr. 
Henson was the first man to step foot on the North Pole. While history 
has credited Commander Robert Peary with this extraordinary 
accomplishment, it was in fact this humble, uncelebrated man who 
actually made the first triumphant step.
  Matthew Henson is a tremendous motivation to us all. He ran away from 
home at the age of eleven and thirty-two years later on April 6, 1909, 
through many trials and tribulations, found himself at the top of the 
world.
  Matthew Henson's achievements have been overlooked for far too long. 
He deserves our recognition and admiration for his amazing 
accomplishments. He warrants our credit for helping to introduce us to 
this important place.
  He has been described by people who knew him well as a ``great 
spirit'' and a great man. Those words merely touch the surface, for his 
spirit and drive to do better is truly immeasurable, as are his 
remarkable achievements in the area of exploration. I am humbled to 
salute this great African-American, this great man.

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