[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. RICHARD CHRISTMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 25, 2001

  Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 
accomplishments of Mr. Richard Christmas of Lansing, Michigan. Mr. 
Christmas has been writing letters for over forty years to government 
officials in an attempt to set aside a day dedicated to space 
exploration. Over the years his letter writing campaign has payed great 
dividends. Ten Michigan cities, sixteen cities in other states, and a 
few states have dedicated a day, and sometimes a week for space 
exploration.
  Mr. Christmas has always had an interest in space ever since he was a 
young boy. However, due to a severe accident he was forced to put his 
space ambitions on hold. After his recovery he started to write letters 
to government officials. At first there were few replies but as the 
United States Space Program gained momentum so did his letter-writing 
campaign. He has received several letters from mayors and governors 
commending him on his continuous effort and dedication to space 
exploration.
  Today, Mr. Christmas wants more cities to become involved with making 
space exploration a national holiday. With the National Air and Space 
Museum's 25th anniversary around the corner, this would be a perfect 
time to promote Space Day across the country and I encourage my 
colleagues to support the efforts of my civic-minded constituent, Mr. 
Richard Christmas.

                          ____________________