[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO CONTINENTAL AIRLINES ON ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 15, 2009

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
congratulate Continental Airlines headquartered in Houston, Texas, on 
its 75th anniversary. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding 
Continental Airlines and its employees for the outstanding service and 
dedication it has provided to travelers over the past 75 years.
  From its modest beginnings in July 1934 in El Paso, Texas, 
Continental has grown to become the fifth largest carrier in the world. 
Just before the Second World War, Continental moved its headquarters to 
Denver, Colorado where it subsequently built the Denver Modification 
Facility, modifying B-17 and B-29 aircraft for the war effort. As the 
war approached an end, Continental expanded its services to include 26 
cities and employ over 400 people by 1945.
  In 1963, Continental moved its headquarters once again to Los 
Angeles, where the company continued to support American military 
efforts, flying soldiers to Asia during the Vietnam War. During the 
1970s, Continental experienced considerable growth. Most notable was 
approval by President Jimmy Carter to fly from Los Angeles to New 
Zealand and Australia.
  In 1982, Continental, once more relocated its headquarters to its 
current location in Houston, Texas. Continental then mounted one of the 
most successful business turnarounds ever in American history when it 
began restructuring in 1994, using its famous ``Go Forward Plan'' that 
emphasized the airline's unique company culture. In addition to 
Houston, Continental also has hubs in Cleveland, Ohio and Newark, New 
Jersey.
  Today, Continental remains a major employer in the Houston area and a 
valued airline. I hear often from satisfied travelers about the quality 
of the company's service and commonsense approach to operations. As a 
million mile traveler, I personally can attest to the quality and 
professionalism of the crew and staff of Continental Airlines. It is my 
personal choice when I travel back and forth to Washington, and one I 
trust with the safeguard of my family.
  Madam Speaker, I hope my colleagues in the U.S. House of 
Representatives will join me to recognize Continental's contribution to 
America on the occasion of the 75th anniversary.

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