[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 34 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E413]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO MR. AND MRS. PHIL AND CHARLOTTE PETERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2000

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great privilege to 
pay tribute to Phil and Charlotte Peterson, who will be feted by hordes 
of friends and admirers this Sunday, March 26, 2000, beginning at 6:30 
p.m. at historic Miami Shores Country Club. If there was ever a dynamic 
duo that genuinely enhances the good name and stellar reputation of a 
particular community, then Phil and Charlotte would admirably fit that 
billing.
  Phil Sheridan Peterson, Jr. was born in Sturgeon Bay, WI and comes 
from a very distinguished lineage. Named after his grandfather, the 
legendary General Philip Sheridan, Phil faithfully upholds to this very 
day the tradition of duty to country and honor to God that buttressed 
the much-heralded exploits of his granddad. Growing up during the 
Depression era and losing his mother at the tender age of three, Phil 
had to quickly become the steady hand and exemplar to three other 
younger siblings, a sister and two brothers.
  His wife Charlotte, on the other hand, was delicately schooled in the 
appreciation of music and the arts. As fate would have it, she met Phil 
when she was barely 12 years old, while picking cherries to contribute 
to her family's sustenance at a Wisconsin orchard managed by him. It 
was indeed love at first sight, and as she is wont to say: ``* * * from 
that day on, I've been working for him ever since.''
  As World War II unleashed its fury, young Phil, then a fresh high 
school graduate, unhesitantly responded to his country's call to duty 
and joined the U.S. Navy. His tour of service sent him to the Baltic 
Sea where he soon braved numerous air raids, sea battles and killer 
storms that wrecked havoc on his fleet ships, tragically claiming the 
lives of some 1,200 brave Americans. Having survived the war's 
harrowing ordeals. Phil Peterson returned home a much-decorated hero 
and thereby earned his rightful niche in the annals of the greatest 
generation of Americans who ever lived.
  Upon his discharge from the U.S. Navy, Phil went back to school to 
finish his education at the University of Wisconsin where he became an 
extraordinary feature on the school's football and wrestling team. 
During this time Charlotte was also at the end of getting her college 
degree. Upon graduation from college, Phil and Charlotte got married on 
December 27, 1947. Through this union they were blessed with five 
wonderful children, who are now themselves successful and productive 
adult members of society.
  While they managed to get back and tend to the family Peterson 
orchard farm in Wisconsin, their adventurous spirit soon propelled 
their relocation in Florida's Key West, finally settling down in what 
was then called Miami's model community of ``Liberty City.'' Working as 
entrepreneurs for the first Harley Davidson's motorcycle franchise in 
South Florida, Phil and Charlotte found time to immerse themselves in 
key leadership positions helping several civic organizations, such as 
the American Red Cross, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Easter 
Seals, the Covenant House, Toys for Underprivileged Children, St. 
Jude's and Miami Children's Hospital, Shelters for Abused Women, Miami 
Rescue Mission, Ronald McDonald House, Paralyzed Veterans of America, 
the Florida Motorcycles Dealers Association, the Knights of Columbus, 
St. Vincent de Paul Society, and many local schools.
  Phil & Charlotte Peterson truly epitomize the preeminence of ordinary 
and decent folks who have tried to do their level best toward 
contributing to the amelioration of their community and the welfare of 
their fellow human beings. Indeed, we have tremendously benefitted from 
their unique brand of tireless commitment and generosity.
  In fact, Phil's first-hand experience, thorough knowledge and solid 
reputation at Harley Davidson motivated him to address the varied 
issues and complex problems surrounding America's burgeoning motorcycle 
business. Accordingly, his compelling testimonies before the U.S. 
Congress paved the way for shedding light on the devious schemes of 
fast-buck entrepreneurs who were illegally dumping foreign-made 
substandard motorcycles in the American market. His expert observations 
subsequently led to the adoption of important pieces of initiatives 
that have now become our nation's laws in this area.
  In their own quiet but dignified way, Phil & Charlotte Peterson have 
been and continue to be our community's consummate activists. They 
genuinely abide by the dictum that those who have less in life, through 
no fault of their own, deserve the help of community leaders to help 
them get back up and lead normal, productive lives. Friends and 
admirers are oftentimes touched by their unique sincerity and selfless 
giving. The numerous accolades from various organizations represent an 
unequivocal testimony of the utmost respect and admiration they both 
enjoy from our community.
  Their word is their bond to those who have dealt with them not only 
in their moments of triumphal exuberance, but also in their quest to 
help us transform our community into the kind of a caring neighborhood 
where the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the mighty and the 
humble converge together to hasten the emergence of the spirit and 
optimism that nobly represent the true character of America.
  I am deeply honored to extend my best wishes and utmost gratitude to 
Phil & Charlotte Peterson for what they have done to our community. 
They truly exemplify a genuine leadership whose courage and 
kindheartedness appeal to our noblest character as a nation.

                          ____________________