[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 34 (Thursday, March 16, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S2308]]
                 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOODYEAR BLIMP

 Mr. DeWINE. Mr. President, today I would like to recognize the 
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, based in Akron, OH, upon the 80th 
anniversary of the operation of its Goodyear Blimps. Since 1925, the 
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has operated its blimps throughout the 
country, providing aerial coverage of sporting events and other major 
public gatherings. Over time, the Goodyear Blimp has become one of the 
most readily recognizable corporate symbols in the United States and 
throughout the world. I wish Goodyear the best, as it celebrates the 
80th anniversary of the Blimp, and ask that the following proclamation 
honoring this occasion be printed in the Record.
  The material follows:

   A Proclamation Honoring the Goodyear Blimp on Its 80th Anniversary

       Whereas, the Goodyear Blimps have been operating in the 
     skies of America since 1925; and
       Whereas, from 1941 to 1944, Goodyear built airships for the 
     United States military to help protect America and its troops 
     by escorting convoys safely across the Atlantic during World 
     War II; and
       Whereas, for 45 years, the Goodyear Blimps have provided 
     aerial television coverage of America's most-watched sports, 
     entertainment and news events, including Super Bowls, World 
     Series, Final Four Tournaments, college football bowl games, 
     and political conventions; and
       Whereas, the Goodyear Blimps have responded to requests 
     from the American Red Cross and other emergency response 
     agencies and used their aerial electronic signs to help 
     victims of hurricanes and earthquakes by communicating with 
     victims to let them know where to find help, food, water, and 
     medical aid; and
       Whereas, the Goodyear Blimps annually support non-profit 
     and public service groups through promotional programs and 
     rides donated to the charities, which are then auctioned off 
     helping to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars every year; 
     and
       Whereas, the Goodyear Blimps are celebrating their 80th 
     Anniversary as the world famous icon for America and the 
     Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.
       Now, therefore, I, Mike DeWine, United States Senator from 
     the Great State of Ohio, join with the residents of Ohio and 
     the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company in honoring the Goodyear 
     Blimp on its 80th Anniversary.
       On this, the Sixteenth of March, Two Thousand and 
     Six.

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