[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING SIDNEY ``SID'' M. OMAN ON HIS TEN YEARS OF SERVICE AS HOST OF 
                    WCTV-48'S SOUNDING BOARD PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
honor a patriot and pioneer in public television. Sidney ``Sid'' M. 
Oman has given ten years of service as host of the weekly public 
affairs talk show, ``Sounding Board'', on the City of Chesapeake's 
cable channel, WCTV-48.
  Each week, Sid highlights hot topics in politics, current events, and 
other news that impact the residents of the Chesapeake community. He 
invites state and local leaders to talk about important issues, and 
share their thoughts with the community in an objective forum.
  Sid and his ``Sounding Board'' have a long history together. From 
1960-1964, he hosted the original ``Sounding Board'' on WAVY TV-10 in 
Hampton Roads, Virginia. From the beginning, the show featured people 
in local, state, and national politics and government, as well as those 
in the arts and media.
  Sid has been serving his community in a variety of capacities for 
many decades. He began his career of service as public relations chief 
for the City of Norfolk, and served five years as executive director of 
the Norfolk's International Azalea Festival, an annual celebration that 
salutes NATO member nations.
  Sid's love of politics eventually persuaded him into public office. 
Sid served as a three-time mayor of Chesapeake, Virginia, and a one-
time mayor of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. During these years of 
service, Sid continued to host weekly public television segments and 
call-in radio programs where citizens phoned in with questions and 
comments.
  After ten years with WCTV, Sid Oman still holds a strong commitment 
to educating and providing information to the public. He and his wife, 
Lillian, are both well-respected and much-loved members of the 
Chesapeake community.
  When not hosting ``Sounding Board'', Sid oversees his successful 
funeral business. In spring of 1964, Sid himself planned and 
coordinated the funeral of General Douglas MacArthur. Again--Sid's 
commitment to serving and honoring others has been an outstanding and 
lifelong pursuit.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sid Oman, for his years of 
service to WCTV, to Chesapeake, and to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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