[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 7, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       HONORING JAMES A. MICHENER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. MURPHY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 7, 2007

  Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay 
tribute to one of America's most prominent 20th century authors, James 
A. Michener.
  Born on February 3, 1907 and raised in Doylestown, PA by his adopted 
family, this great man would have been 100 years old this weekend and I 
find it fitting to commemorate his great contributions to our society 
on this day.
  The author of over 40 great works, Michener is one of the United 
States' most important literary figures and one of the 8th district's 
most notable sons. His most famous work, Tales of the South Pacific, 
was based on his experiences while serving in the U.S. Navy during 
World War II. This descriptive account of soldiers' lives during the 
war was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1948 for its great ability to 
show the human side of war.
  Throughout his career, Madam Speaker, Mr. Michener continued to 
explore the human side of our American experience with many stirring 
novels, including The Bridges at Toko-Ri, Alaska, Chesapeake, and 
Centennial. These excellent glimpses into our national history and 
character illustrate the genius of Mr. Michener, who in 1977 was 
awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest 
civilian honor.
  Although most of his works were literary, Mr. Michener was truly a 
man of the world, a citizen servant, and a promoter of the arts.
  Madam Speaker, from running for Congress in 1962, to serving on the 
Advisory board for NASA, to his appointment as cultural ambassador to 
numerous countries, Mr. Michener has left an indelible mark on our 
Nation.
  Indeed, he has also left a strong mark on the 8th district of 
Pennsylvania, where he donated large sums of money directed to the 
promotion of the arts. In 1988, the James A. Michener Art Museum opened 
in Doylestown, PA, promising to preserve and display the rich artistic 
heritage of the Bucks County region. With the help of many donors who 
shared in Mr. Michener's vision this museum stands today as one of the 
great collections of Pennsylvanian art.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating this 
fixture of American literary history. Truly, James A. Michener was an 
experienced traveler, a dedicated citizen and an inspiring writer.
  In commemoration of the centennial of his birth, I am proud and 
honored to remind this body of his many contributions to our Nation.

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