[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E358]]
                     TRIBUTE TO THE GOODYEAR BLIMPS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to The 
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and its Goodyear blimps, which are 
celebrating their 80th anniversary as international symbols of American 
culture and innovation.
  The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, headquartered in Akron, Ohio for 
over a century, launched the first Goodyear blimp, the Pilgrim, in 
1925. Since then, the company has built more than 300 of these graceful 
aerial giants, including numerous airships in a partnership endeavor 
with the U.S. Government to assist in military surveillance activities.
  Although Americans are probably most familiar with seeing the 
Goodyear blimps at sporting events, during World War II, the Goodyear 
blimps protected American ships and armed forces while escorting 
convoys and task forces across the Atlantic Ocean.
  Today, the Goodyear blimps support national and local charities every 
year, helping secure millions of dollars in donations. Perhaps even 
more important, the Goodyear blimps help federal and state emergency 
service agencies and victims of national disasters.
  For all of the above, and in many thanks to a distinguished American 
manufacturer, I am proud and honored to recognize the extraordinary 
contributions Goodyear blimps have made to our nation.

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