[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)]
[House]
[Page H677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JIM SACKETT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I would like the opportunity to recognize the 
career of a leading personality in Palm Beach County.
  For 25 years, the Treasure Coast of south Florida has been graced by 
the reassuring voice of WPTV News Channel 5 anchorman Jim Sackett. Mr. 
Sackett has distinguished himself over the years by providing 
outstanding coverage of some of south Florida and the Nation's leading 
stories. From Hurricane Andrew to the 2000 presidential election, from 
the Lake Worth, Florida, school shooting to the horrific events of 9-
11, Jim Sackett's presence on West Palm Beach's NBC affiliate station 
gave south Floridians a place of trust to turn to during these 
difficult times.
  His life and work, however, have not centered solely on reporting the 
tragic events. Mr. Sackett is known throughout south Florida as a 
journalist of tremendous character and a committed member of the 
community. He has a weekly segment called ``Thursday's Child,'' which 
profiles hard-to-place adoptable children, and so far has benefited 
hundreds of young children. He is recognized for his continued efforts 
the last couple of decades. The Friends of Abused Children presented 
Mr. Sackett with their Child Advocate of the Year award.
  Due to circumstances in his family, Mr. Jim Sackett is also a long-
time supporter of the leukemia and lymphoma society and has been a 
passionate fund-raiser and advocate for the society. He has also served 
for 3 years as co-chairman of the American Heart Association's heart 
walk, yet another cause to which Mr. Sackett devotes his time and 
energy.
  Mr. Sackett has been a fixture of the West Palm Beach area since 
1978, both on and off air. He is a great news broadcaster, but an even 
greater citizen. He dedicates himself to the cause of pursuing 
journalistic excellence.
  I want to take a moment to commend my good friend and Channel 5 news 
anchor Jim Sackett. I commend him for his service to south Florida. I 
congratulate him on 25 phenomenal years at WPTV News Channel 5, and I 
hope against hope that these 25 years are really just the beginning. 
Best wishes on his anniversary. Keep going.

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