[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 42 (Wednesday, April 5, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H1459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1030
           AWARDING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO BYRON NELSON

  (Mr. BURGESS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, this weekend is the Masters golf 
tournament, and while I am not a golfer myself, it is a big deal in the 
golfing world. The PGA tournament of today is carried on the shoulders 
of those who have gone before. Names like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Lee 
Trevino are common household names for those of us of a certain age, 
but it is truly the gentleman from Roanoke, Texas, Byron Nelson, who 
has done more for the credible start for the sport of golf in this 
country than anyone else.
  Lord Byron, as he is known back home, will turn 95 years of age this 
year. He was a gifted athlete, winning two Masters Tournaments in 1937 
and 1942. He won two PGA tours in 1940 and 1945, and won the U.S. Open 
in 1939. His true service is his generosity of spirit and his humility.
  In World War II, he traveled with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby on the USO 
tour entertaining our troops overseas. He has given over $88 million 
from his Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Services. He and his wife, 
Louise, have created an endowment fund at Abilene Christian University 
totaling over $15 million. He is the head of the Metroport Meals-on-
Wheels, delivering services to shut-in seniors back in my district.
  His career as an athlete is worthy of recognition, but his service to 
community is indeed exemplary. For these reasons, I ask my colleagues 
to join me in support of H.R. 4902, the Congressional Gold Medal 
honoring Byron Nelson.

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