[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 140 (Tuesday, October 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1982]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF BILL AND CAROL CLAY

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 7, 2003

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to my 
parents, William ``Bill'' and Carol Clay, on the occasion of their 50th 
wedding anniversary. As many of you know, my father, former Congressman 
Bill Clay, represented the 1st Congressional District of Missouri in 
this body for 32 years.
  My parents were married on October 10, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri. 
Their life together has been built upon a solid foundation of love, 
mutual respect, honor and dedication. Over the years they have worked 
very hard to be responsible parents to their three children, while at 
the same time toiling tirelessly to provide service to the ``larger'' 
family of constituents in St. Louis and beyond.
  My father served in elective office for over 40 years and my mother 
stood by his side every step of the way. From their attempt to 
desegregate the public swimming pool at Fort McClellan in Alabama, to 
the marches and protests for employment opportunities at the Jefferson 
Bank and Trust Company and Howard Johnson's Restaurant in St. Louis, my 
parents were at the forefront of the struggle for justice and equality 
from the very early years of their marriage. On one occasion, my father 
spent 118 days in jail as a result of protesting injustice. During that 
period, my mother would take us regularly to the jail house to see him, 
so that we would understand what he was doing and why. My parents 
instilled a deep sense of commitment to fighting injustice and righting 
wrongs within my sisters and me at an early age.
  One of my fondest memories was in January 1969 when my father was 
sworn in as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Following 
his lead, as we normally would, my sisters and I raised our right hands 
in an effort to take the oath of office with him. At that time, we 
could not have foreseen an even prouder moment for our family when, 32 
years later I had the privilege and honor of being sworn in as a Member 
of this esteemed body. As I was taking the oath of office, I looked 
over to my father and noticed a tear fall from his eye while my mother 
stood beside him, misty-eyed as well.
  Throughout his long and distinguished career, my father has been a 
trailblazer, a pacesetter, an innovator and a fearless leader. At the 
same time, my mother has been the advocate, the nurturer, the rock 
solid supporter and the foundation of the Clay family. I take pleasure 
in reflecting upon all of the wonderful lessons and guidance they have 
given my sisters and me over the years. They taught us the importance 
of family commitment, being patient and respecting the opinions of 
others. They also taught us to always be prepared and look at life from 
a practical point of view.
  Their contributions to our community and our Nation are enormous. In 
addition, their strong commitment to the education of young people is 
exemplary. Together they have helped raise over $3 million in college 
scholarships for minority students through their efforts with the 
William L. Clay Scholarship and Research Fund. This Fund was founded by 
my father and the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses organization, of 
which my mother was a cofounder.
  My sisters, Vicki Clay Jackson, Michelle Clay Rorie, and I will honor 
Bill and Carol in celebration of their golden wedding anniversary on 
Saturday, October 11, 2003. We are being assisted in this momentous 
undertaking by all five of Bill and Carol Clay's grandchildren--Angela 
Clay, Michael Alexis, H. Clay Rorie, Carol W. Clay and William L. Clay, 
III. Family, life-long friends and colleagues from throughout the 
Nation will be joining us on that marvelous occasion to extend thanks 
and appreciation for their love, guidance and friendship.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues extend a well-deserved 
and heartfelt round of congratulations to Bill and Carol Clay as they 
celebrate 50 years of love and devotion to one another and to the Clay 
family.

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