[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 89 (Friday, June 28, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                JON LOCKE: SADDLING UP FOR THE OLD WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Jon Locke, a 
journeyman actor whose feature-length films and television credits read 
like a viewer's guide to the great Westerns so many of us enjoyed 
during our youth. Cowboy actors such as Jon Locke not only entertained 
us, they also helped unlock the history of the real West by giving 
viewers a glimpse of the legendary men and women who settled our 
American frontier.
  Over the years, many fans saddled up and rode along with Jon Locke 
and scores of other cowboy actors as they journeyed back to the Old 
West by watching celluloid versions of our frontier legends. While the 
names of all these actors may not be as recognizable as some of the 
top-billed stars who rode off into the sunset, the supporting cast of 
faithful sidekicks, bad guys, cowpokes, gunfighters and others were 
unmistakable and essential to the Western myths that have become such 
an important part of our American culture.
  Fans will recognize Jon for his appearances in episodes of 
``Gunsmoke,'' ``The Texan,'' ``Cimarron City,'' ``Bonanza,'' ``The 
Virginian,'' ``Wagon Train,'' ``Laramie,'' ``Tales of Wells Fargo,'' 
``Sheriff of Cochise,'' and ``Custer,'' to name a few, and also for his 
roles in feature films for MGM, Universal Studios, 20th Century Fox and 
Walt Disney Productions. He also appeared in ``Land of the Lost,'' 
``The Waltons,'' ``Perry Mason'' and many other classic television 
shows of bygone days, some of which now can be seen in syndication.
  As a characteristically American film genre, Westerns occupy an 
honored place in the hearts and minds of all of us who see honor and 
glory in the rugged individualism portrayed in those movies. Jon Locke 
has been an integral part of the history of the Western in movies and 
on television throughout his acting career. Still active in the film 
industry, Jon also does his part to keep the memory and spirit of the 
Old West alive by appearing at re-enactment events and Western 
festivals throughout the country. He usually brings his banjo along and 
has been known to sing a tune or two.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding 
Jon Locke for embodying in his acting the true grit, valor and work 
ethic of the cowboys, frontiersmen and pioneers who forged ahead to 
make America the great and noble nation it is today. I am confident 
that Jon won't hang up his spurs until the last roundup is over. He 
truly has kept the campfire burning for all those aspiring young 
cowboys and cowgirls of the future.

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