[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 24, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8117-S8118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY TO MR. AND MRS. S. RICHARD JENNINGS JR.

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, I rise today to salute two very 
special Tennesseans, and indeed two outstanding Americans, who I am 
proud to call my friends, Virginia and Richard Jennings of Johnson 
City, TN. On Wednesday, August 29, 2001, Virginia and Richard will be 
surrounded by family and friends to celebrate the wonderful milestone 
of their 60 years of marriage.
  In a time where so much in our society seems temporary and fleeting, 
Virginia and Richard have demonstrated each and every day the best of 
American values--devotion to their country, their community, their 
family, and to each other.
  Married on Friday, August 29, 1941 at the First Baptist Church in 
Erwin, Tennessee, the Jennings embarked on their journey as newlyweds 
living in New York City until Richard was called to the service in 
World War II. Richard served in both of the war's theaters, and was in 
Europe on VE Day and Japan on VJ Day. While he was overseas, Virginia 
gave back to her community as an educator, teaching and coaching 
basketball.
  On returning home, Richard began a distinguished career at Tennessee 
Eastman in Kingsport which spanned almost forty years. Virginia made a 
mark for herself in community service in Johnson City, generously 
donating her time as President of the Junior League, helping to found a 
mental health clinic, and serving on the city's planning commission. 
Both also made their spiritual lives a priority with their active 
membership in the Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. Although 
raised as a Baptist, Virginia followed her mother's sound advice to be 
the best Methodist she could!
  With all of their accomplishments, probably their proudest moments 
came with the arrival of two daughters, Eve Boyd Jennings in 1947 and 
Anne Bradshaw Jennings in 1954. The Jennings' family today boasts six 
grandchildren and five great-children, all of whom are the apple of 
their grandparents' eyes.
  Through the years, Virginia, a devoted Republican, loved the thrill 
of politics. Former U.S. Senator Howard Baker tapped her into service 
as his Tri-Cities field representative where she served throughout his 
three terms in the Senate. Virginia became a living legend in that 
role. When I first ran for the Senate, I turned to her time and time 
again for advice and counsel, and she not only gave me the great honor 
of becoming a valuable mentor, but she has also bestowed upon my wife, 
Karyn, and me an even greater gift--her friendship and love.
  Virginia and Richard Jennings epitomize the very best of what it 
means to

[[Page S8118]]

be Americans. They are a national treasure. In anticipation of their 
60th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, August 29, 2001, I want to thank 
Virginia and Richard for their service to our nation, and most 
importantly, for living their lives in a way that serves as a shining 
example for all of us to emulate. I am honored to be their U.S. 
Senator.

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