[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCING LEGISLATION TO NAME A POST OFFICE IN ROSINE, KENTUCKY, 
                           AFTER BILL MONROE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON LEWIS

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, the tradition of Bluegrass music 
is something we can all be proud of. It is a very significant part of 
the culture that I cherish and is as much Kentucky as horses and 
basketball. There is one man we can all recognize for this pride, the 
father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe.
  Mr. Monroe is the creator of a musical art form that is focused, and 
often composed, of the family. In 1939, he founded the legendary band 
the Blue Grass Boys, which at times included the guitarist Lester 
Flatt, banjo picker Earl Scruggs, fiddle player Chubby Wise, and his 
son, bass player James Monroe.
  In 1970, Mr. Monroe was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. 
The following year, he was recognized for his songwriting craft and was 
entered into the Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall 
of Fame. Mr. Monroe was also rightfully recognized with the Grammy 
Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Mr. Monroe's songs like ``Kentucky Waltz'' bring back pleasant 
memories of the past that we tell our children about. Because of the 
influence he has had on me and many others I am honored today to 
introduce legislation that names the post office in Rosine, KY after 
Mr. Monroe. This is one small way that I, as a Member of Congress, can 
recognize a lifelong idle who is a proud part of the lives of many 
Kentuckians.

                          ____________________