[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S8647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO OWSLEY BROWN FRAZIER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I pay tribute to an outstanding 
Kentuckian, fellow Louisvillian and friend, Mr. Owsley Brown Frazier. 
Owsley recently fulfilled one of his life-long dreams by opening a 
museum to showcase his collection of historic weaponry--the Frazier 
Historical Arm Museum. I was honored to join him at the grand opening 
to get a sneak peak at his impressive collection.
  The Frazier Historical Arms Museum is more than guns in cases and 
maps on walls. Inside this $32 million, 100,000-square-foot museum 
weapons are displayed based on the stories they tell. The museum is 
home to Teddy Roosevelt's ``Big Stick,'' a rifle owned by George 
Washington, a bow and arrow used by Geronimo, and General George 
Armstrong Custer's Colt Navy revolvers. Not only does the museum house 
Owsley's collection of American artifacts but also holds collections on 
loan from the British Royal Armories in the Tower of London. These 
artifacts are combined with guides dressed in period attire, short 
films, and interactive computer stations. It is definitely a ``must 
see'' while in Louisville.
  Owsley wanted to give back to his hometown and the museum was his 
gift. The museum is a testament to his work ethic and his values. It 
reflects his philanthropic nature that he has contributed $500 million 
to charities during his lifetime, including tens of millions for his 
biggest passion--education. He has used his own money, but also 
millions of dollars of contributions from his family's company to 
preserve historic buildings, build housing for low-income families and 
of course, support our local colleges and schools.
  His friends describe him as a simple man who loves fishing at his 
Shelby County farm, breakfast at the Waddy Truck Stop, and would rather 
watch sports on television than attend cocktail parties. Owsley and I 
also share a special passion: University of Louisville Athletics. In 
fact, he once even skipped a family member's wedding because the 
Cardinals had a game that day.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to this incredible 
man. Owsley has a genuine and sincere love for the city of Louisville, 
the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and most importantly his fellow man. I 
can only hope he will inspire us all to share that same benevolent 
passion and commitment in our lives.

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