[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 21, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S6848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             JOHN AND JESS ROSKELLEY'S CLIMB OF MT. EVEREST

 Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate 
father and son John and Jess Roskelley of Spokane, WA, for their 
successful climb of Mt. Everest. The Roskelleys' achievement is both 
inspiring and historic. By reaching the summit on Wednesday, May 21, 
the Roskelleys became the first father and son to climb the world's 
highest mountain together. Jess also became the youngest American to 
ever complete the climb.
  Throughout history, explorers and adventurers have held a special 
place in our imaginations. Their vision and determination to explore 
uncharted territory, and to surmount overwhelming obstacles in fierce 
conditions and environments remind us of the indomitable power of the 
human spirit.
  Mt. Everest has long captivated mankind as a powerful symbol of the 
awe the natural world can evoke. Since Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing 
Norgay became the first people to grace its summit 50 years ago, the 
challenge of climbing Everest has attained an iconic status. Its 
precipitous slopes, seemingly bottomless crevasses, and thin air are a 
reminder both of the power of natural forces, and of the fragility of 
human life.
  John Roskelley is an expert climber, with 30 years experience 
climbing in the demanding Himalayas. He is also an accomplished 
photographer and author, whose work vividly conveys the challenges and 
emotions of high-altitude mountaineering. John is a dedicated public 
servant, as well: he serves as a Commissioner of Spokane County.
  Jess Roskelley has clearly inherited his father's mountaineering 
talents and taste for adventure. Though he is only 20 years old, Jess 
is already an accomplished climber in his own right. He has climbed 
Washington State's highest peak, 14,411-foot Mt. Rainier--also an 
impressive mountaineering feat--a remarkable 35 times.
  The Roskelleys' names will long be remembered with those of other 
magnificent climbers from Washington State--a proud history that 
includes such giants as Jim and Lou Whittaker, Jim Wickwire, Willi 
Unsoeld, and Ed Viesturs.
  With their accomplishment, John and Jess Roskelley have contributed 
to this tradition, and to that of all the adventurers and explorers who 
inspire us to challenge ourselves to realize our dreams, and to 
persevere in the face of overwhelming odds. They remind us of President 
John F. Kennedy's affirmation that we pursue some goals ``not because 
they are easy but because they are hard.''
  The Roskelleys' remarkable achievement reminds us what we can 
accomplish when we set our hearts and minds upon difficult goals. I 
congratulate them on their success, and wish them a safe trip 
home.

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