[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 137 (Thursday, September 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         LANDAU ENGENE MURPHY, JR. AMERICA'S GOT TALENT WINNER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 15, 2011

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, America has voted. The Nation voted for a 
winning combination of humility, hard work, life-long dream, and finely 
tuned talent. Today, I join with my friends in Logan County and all 
throughout West Virginia in congratulating Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., 
this year's winner of NBC Television's ``America Got Talent.''
  Landau's journey is a true American success story. Coming from humble 
beginnings, he worked hard, never lost faith in his Lord, and always 
remained determined to pursue his dream.
  I believe what Landau accomplished last night should stand as an 
example to every young person throughout this great Nation. He has 
shown them that they should always set their goals high and work until 
they get there, and indeed, if you should take some blows, just let the 
record show, you did it your way.
  I send my very best to Landau, his lovely wife, Jennifer, and their 
family as they begin this new and exciting journey in their lives. I 
know that Landau remains as humble today as he was when he first took 
the stage at the Logan County Arts and Crafts Fair's annual talent show 
some years ago.
  I would like to commend the Logan County Chamber of Commerce, the 
Hatfield and McCoy Convention and Visitors' Bureau, and Diana Barnette 
and all the fine folks at Fountainplace Cinema 8 in Logan for their 
support of our hometown hero. As we always have in West Virginia, we 
stand behind and support our own, and the work these organizations and 
individuals have done is phenomenal. Undoubtedly, their efforts were 
instrumental in Landau's victory.
  Mr. Murphy accepted his victory with the hugs and ``high fives'' of 
his competitors, the hallmark of good sportsmanship. Throughout the 
weeks of competition he often spoke of his respect and compassion for, 
and friendship with, his opponents--a timely lesson for us all.
  I hope my colleagues will congratulate all those whose talent carried 
them to the final weeks of a long competition. And, I thank America for 
recognizing a true talent in this fine son of West Virginia. 
Thankfully, we will be hearing a lot more from Landau Eugene Murphy, 
Jr., for many more years to come.

                          ____________________