[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 30 (Thursday, March 4, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S1165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO GEORGE WIDMAN

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, today I offer my congratulations 
and warm regards to George Widman, the ``Candy Man'' of Grand Forks, on 
the momentous occasion of his 90th birthday.
  Throughout his life, George Widman has been an example of what it 
means to be a great North Dakotan and a great American. Growing up in 
the Great Depression taught George the value of hard work, something he 
has never forgotten. To this day, George and his wife Betty work 6 days 
a week at Widman's Candy Store in downtown Grand Forks.
  George demonstrated his lifelong patriotism through his service in 
World War II. During that war, he served as a naval A1C aviation 
mechanic on the USS Bunker Hill aircraft carrier from 1942 until it was 
hit by kamikazes in 1945. The ship suffered the loss of 346 men, but, 
miraculously, George survived.
  After the war, George returned home to work in the family business. 
Sixty years later, Widman's Candy Store is best known for its 
Chippers--Red River Valley potato chips covered in delicious Red River 
Valley chocolate. They are truly a treat. They have become famous not 
only in North Dakota but in Washington, DC, with fans at the White 
House, in the office of the Vice President, at the Pentagon, and here 
in the Senate.
  To me, the story that best defines George and Betty is how they 
responded to the 1997 flood that devastated the city of Grand Forks. 
After their store was destroyed by the floodwaters that took out most 
of Grand Forks, George offered Betty the opportunity to rebuild 
anywhere in the world. They chose Grand Forks.
  Ten years ago, George said his secret to longevity was ``lots of 
candy.'' Today, it is my pleasure and honor to wish George a wonderful 
90th birthday. He is representative of the best of North Dakota, and he 
has my respect and admiration. I can never forget George's birthday, 
because it is my birthday too. Happy 90th, George, and here's to many 
more! 

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