[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 98 (Friday, June 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1618-E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF PETE'S HAMBURGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KIND

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2009

  Mr. KIND. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pete's Hamburgers of 
Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin and to recognize their 100th anniversary.
  It is reassuring to see that despite these tough economic times many 
American small businesses are still thriving. It was 100 years ago when 
Pete Gokey opened Pete's Hamburgers as a small, humble stand selling 
pan-fried hamburgers. Pete Gokey's life embodies the hard work, 
dedication, and commitment that have made our country great.
  Although we recognize it today for achieving the feat of keeping its 
doors open for 100 years, the story of Pete's Hamburgers is one founded 
upon an individual's commitment to public service and hard work. Before 
opening his stand to sell hamburgers, Pete Gokey was a member of the 
volunteer fire department in Prairie du Chien. As fate would have it, 
Pete was selected to be the chef for one of the fire department's 
community events, at which he was expected to serve fried hamburgers 
with onions. The hamburgers were a huge success and became the catalyst 
for Pete Gokey's successful stand.
  Gokey was able to turn his stand into a fixture of the Prairie du 
Chien community. Whether serving hamburgers or volunteering as a fire 
fighter, Pete Gokey was a man who lived a life based on hard work and 
service to his community.
  Pete's Hamburgers and its quality product have stood the test of time 
and I proudly stand before this chamber to recognize the success of 
Pete and his family who have dedicated their lives to something they 
love: hamburgers.
  I applaud the efforts of Pete Gokey and his family members who now 
run the business and I am proud to see their hard work rewarded by 100 
years of business and 100 years of service to the Prairie du Chien 
community. May their success continue for many more years to come.

[[Page E1619]]



                          ____________________