[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E235]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING DANNY THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 21, 2012

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, his parents sought this country and the 
great promise of America. As the child of immigrants, ingrained in 
Danny Thomas' very core was the belief that Americans should thank the 
United States for the gift of freedom. The life and legacy of Danny 
Thomas is marked by his fidelity to faith and his dedication to those 
who might lose hope.
  Danny Thomas' legacy is one of acting, sports, family, and faith. An 
Emmy-winning actor, Thomas starred in one of the most successful and 
honored comedy shows, ``Make Room for Daddy.'' An original owner of the 
Miami Dolphins, he was, as well, an avid golfer and two PGA 
championships bore his name. Moved by the faithfulness of the Almighty, 
and Thomas' belief that no child should be turned away from medical 
care regardless of race, religion, or ability to pay, Danny began 
raising money for St. Jude Children's Center in the early 1950s. Pope 
Paul VI named Thomas a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy 
Sepulchre and President Ronald Reagan presented him with a 
Congressional Gold Medal of Honor. But Thomas' true legacy isn't the 
awards bestowed on him by world leaders, but the grateful thanks given 
by children around the world.
  St. Jude is a place where children afflicted with disease, and 
parents burdened by lost hope, can find healing and the promise of 
tomorrow. Countless children, parents, families, and friends will 
forever be grateful for Danny Thomas and his vision as they receive 
superior medical care, the benefits of cutting-edge research, and an 
environment colored with optimism. As we celebrate Thomas' 100th 
birthday, and the 50 years of St Jude Children's hospital, by unveiling 
a postage stamp in his honor, we celebrate his dedication to serving 
the most vulnerable among us. I rise today to honor Danny Thomas and 
ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating all those whose noble work 
brings healing and hope.

                          ____________________