[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 62 (Monday, April 27, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ARTHUR GIDDON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 27, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arthur Giddon 
of Bloomfield, Connecticut. Over the past century, Art has cultivated a 
distinguished law career, serving as a notable trial lawyer as well as 
a chief public defender. He has a wonderful and devoted wife, Harriet, 
to whom he has been married to for over 60 years. Together they have 
raised a beautiful family. On April, 26, 2009, Art will celebrate his 
100th birthday with friends and family in Connecticut.
  In 1922, at the age of 13, Art joined the Boston Braves as a batboy. 
He fetched pop bottles, ran errands for players, polished equipment, 
and conversed with baseball legends. First baseman, Walter Holke, often 
walked him home after games and taught him how to make kites, a skill 
that he would pass on to grandchildren. His chance meeting with 
baseball's commissioner, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, and a suggestion to 
become a lawyer would portend a legal profession matched by few. 
Decades later after Mr. Landis' suggestion, he would study at Harvard 
Law and become a notable lawyer in Connecticut. In 1985, he retired as 
the chief public defender of the Harford Judicial District, after 
decades of public service.
  This past week, Art's unique experience as a batboy has gained 
national media attention. On Saturday, Art will join the Boston Red 
Sox, the team he passionately cheers for, as an honorary batboy in 
recognition of his experience as a young boy decades ago. He will make 
his debut in a jersey crafted by his daughter, adorned with ``No. 100, 
Big Pappy''.
  Few individuals experience as much and contribute as much as over the 
course of their lifetime as Arthur has. Madame Speaker, I can 
personally attest to this. As a young law student, I worked in Art's 
office for two years as a legal intern and learned a lifelong lesson in 
the law, as well as a balanced passion for justice. He has lived an 
extraordinary life, filled with personal and professional vigor and I 
ask my colleagues to join with me and my constituents in celebrating 
his 100th birthday.

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