[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING ADMIRAL ROBERT E. PEARY

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                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a great 
American and extraordinary explorer, Admiral Robert Edwin Peary, and 
the one hundredth anniversary of his expedition to the North Pole.
  Peary was born on May 6, 1856 in Cresson, Pennsylvania. He graduated 
from Bowdoin College and joined the United States Navy in 1881. Peary 
made several expeditions throughout the Arctic, including Greenland, 
during this lifetime.
  On April 6, 1909 Peary concluded his journey to the North Pole. He 
was accompanied by his longtime companion Matthew Henson and four Inuit 
men.
  Throughout his life, he received many awards, honors, and honorary 
degrees. In 1911 Peary retired from the Navy with the rank of Rear 
Admiral. He died on February 20, 1920 in Washington, DC.
  Madam Speaker, at this time in history when the North Pole is so 
important to geopolitics, I hope that our nation will reflect on the 
hundredth anniversary of Admiral Peary's great accomplishment.

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