[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 25 (Wednesday, March 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E240]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO MARTIN ``TRADER JOHN'' WEISSMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 8, 2000

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, for nearly half a century, a landmark 
known throughout the world has stood in Pensacola, Florida. This 
landmark is not a bronze statue, a marble sculpture, or a breathtaking 
vista, but rather an unofficial monument to the service of the men and 
women in the United States Navy. The monument is none other than the 
world famous ``Trader John's Tavern and Blue Angels Museum'' founded 
and operated by Pensacola's own Martin ``Trader John'' Weissman.
  Since 1953, ``Trader John's'' has been a favorite among aviators, 
military personnel, and celebrities. It was a place for young Naval 
flight students to relax and a place for veterans to share old war 
stories. For many men and women in the service that were stationed far 
from home, it provided a sanctuary where they could make new friends. 
What brought these thousands of patrons to this humble establishment 
wasn't the extensive collection of Naval aviation memorabilia, but 
rather the persona of the man known as ``Trader John.''
  Mr. Martin Weissman and his wife Jackie moved to Pensacola in 1952. 
In 1953, the Weissman's took over a dilapidated bar and eatery on South 
Palafox Street and renamed it ``Trader John's.'' The name stuck, and 
Mr. Weissman became known as ``Trader John.''
  Over the next 50 years, this gentleman distinguished himself not only 
through his community service and his successful business, but also 
through the reputation he earned as an untiring booster of the Navy's 
Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels. In 1997, he was named the 
Blue Angels honorary flight leader.
  ``Trader John's'' fatherly way and irresistible charm provided the 
much-needed support for many homesick aviators. Retired Vice Admiral 
Jack Fetterman described Trader John as having ``unqualified love.'' 
Adding ``he was a caring guy who never said a bad thing about 
anybody.''
  Mr. Speaker, on Friday, February 18, 2000, Martin ``Trader John'' 
Weissman was taken from us. But his legacy and memory will live on in 
the hearts of the thousands of Naval Aviators who trained in Pensacola 
and when the Blue Angels fly their homecoming show there this year, I'm 
sure ``Trader John'' will be watching from above.

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