[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 116 (Thursday, July 31, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SALUTING GEORGE AND LOIS FERNAU AND FUTURES OF AMERICA

 Mr. TALENT. Mr. President, today I salute George and Lois 
Fernau of St. Louis, who are the founders of a very talented, very 
patriotic singing group, the Futures of America.
  The Fernaus are parents of four children, and something Mr. Fernau 
saw on television in the early 70s as he was about to take his daughter 
to softball practice disturbed him very deeply. He watched as a group 
of protesters burned the American flag. Mr. Fernau thought this was a 
slap in the face to those who fought to defend freedom under that flag 
and a desecration of an enduring symbol of freedom and democracy. He 
was inspired to do something to express his love for the country, so he 
asked his daughters after softball practice if they would be willing to 
be part of a singing group that would tour the country and spread 
patriotic feeling through music. Thus, the Futures of America were 
born.
  The mission of the Futures of America is to strongly encourage all 
Americans, but especially young people, to learn what they call the 
``M.V.P.P's of Life'': morals, values, principles and patriotism. They 
sing classic American songs such as The Battle Hymn of the Republic, 
Put On a Happy Face, God Bless America, as well as songs written by Mr. 
Fernau, such as Missouri: Our Home State, St. Louis, My Kind of Town, 
and You're My Music. They have performed on radio and television, and 
have also released several albums of their music.
  Since their inception in 1971, the Futures of America have kept up an 
ambitious and impressive schedule, traveling close to a million miles 
and performing over 2,500 times. They have sung for a number of 
dignitaries, including two Presidents, an African king, and a host of 
Missouri's State and local elected officials. They also sing at venues 
such as Air Force bases, parades, and conventions for groups such as 
the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and the Rotary Club. The 
Futures of America also have the distinction of having performed before 
all 172 VA hospitals in America, warming the hearts of many veterans.
  I commend George and Lois Fernau and the Futures of America for their 
service to the community over the past 32 years. Their patriotism and 
strong moral values are a good example for everyone. I am honored to 
share their accomplishments with my colleagues, and I wish them all the 
best for the future.

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