[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMEMORATIVE STAMP FOR AVA GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 14, 2001

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a concurrent 
resolution recommending that the U.S. Postal Service issue a 
commemorative postage stamp for Johnston County's favorite daughter and 
one of America's most accomplished actresses, Ava Gardner.
  Having grown up in Johnston County myself, I am proud to introduce 
this legislation in Ava Gardner's memory, not only because she is a 
famous North Carolinian; but because she touched the lives of thousands 
around the globe.
  Despite her superstar status, Ava Gardner never forgot her humble 
Johnston County roots. She was born the youngest of seven children of 
Jonas and Mary Elizabeth Gardner in 1922 and grew up near Smithfield. 
When she was 13 her family moved to Newport News, Virginia, only to 
return to North Carolina where she attended high school in the Rock 
Ridge community and studied at Atlantic Christian College, which is now 
Barton College, in Wilson.
  In the summer of 1941 the Smithfield Herald told the story of Ava 
Gardner's trip across country to a place called Hollywood. When she 
arrived there, it didn't take long for the whole world to recognize 
what the people of Smithfield and all of North Carolina already saw--
Ava's remarkable talent. During her career, she starred in 64 films and 
won many honors including:
  A Golden Globe nomination for ``Best Actress in a Drama'' for ``Night 
of the Iguana'' in 1964;
  The Academy of Motion Pictures ``Merit for Outstanding Achievement--
Best Actress'' nomination for ``Mogambo'' in 1953;
  And the Look ``Film Achievement'' award for her performance in ``The 
Hucksters'' in 1947.
  She was also the first woman from North Carolina to grace the cover 
of Time magazine. Indeed, Ava Gardner's story is the American Dream.
  In addition to her success on the silver screen, Ava was a leader in 
the fight against cancer and worked tirelessly for more funding for 
research. She was also a patriot and was recognized by the U.S. Armed 
Forces for her spirit of public service and her performance as a guest 
star on the Armed Forces radio network's production of ``Victorious 
Lady.''
  Ava Gardner was one of America's most accomplished actresses in the 
20th century. She led the Hollywood golden age, shared the stage with 
Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster, and Grace Kelly. She served as a goodwill 
ambassador to people around the globe and graciously dedicated her fame 
to the fight against cancer.
  Mr. Speaker, Ava Gardner's legacy lives on through her movies and the 
wonderful Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North Carolina. Being 
commemorated on a postage stamp is a high honor reserved for remarkable 
people, places, and even cartoon characters. Surely, someone as 
glamorous and accomplished as Ava Gardner deserves her own stamp too.

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