[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 117 (Friday, August 1, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S10901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PINEWOOD DERBY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, it is my privilege today to 
recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Pinewood Derby. In 1953, Donald 
Murphy of Torrance, CA, initiated the first Pinewood Derby, an activity 
that has been enjoyed by millions of Cub Scouts and their families to 
date.
  Mr. Murphy devised a miniature race car from a block of pinewood and 
asked his employer, the North American Aviation, to sponsor a race of 
the miniature cars for his son's Cub Scout troop. He hoped the event 
``would foster a closer father-son relationship and promote 
craftsmanship and good sportsmanship through competition.'' The 
Pinewood Derby quickly became a staple event for Cub Scout Packs.
  Today, Pinewood Derbies are fun family endeavors that encourage 
creativity, develop skills, and promote teamwork. At each race, cars 
with unique paint jobs and designs demonstrate the pride and sense of 
accomplishment that participants have in their Derby entries.
  As the ``father'' of the Pinewood Derby, Mr. Murphy can be proud that 
the Derby has enriched the lives of children and families across the 
country for half a century. Please join me in recognizing the Pinewood 
Derby and Mr. Murphy's role in its success.

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