[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 104 (Thursday, July 12, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1248]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF TELSTAR

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL H. MICHAUD

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2012

  Mr. MICHAUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 50th 
Anniversary of the first successful transatlantic television signal 
between Andover Earth Station, Maine, and Pleumeur-Bodou Telecom Center 
in Brittany, France, which took place on July 12, 1962.
  As a Co-Chair of the Congressional French Caucus, it is often my 
great honor to commemorate special moments in history that recognize 
the historical relationship of the United States and France. It is a 
particular honor to recognize an event that my home State of Maine 
played a key part of.
  Five decades ago, Andover, Maine, and Pleumeur-Bodou, France, were 
connected for a short 22 minutes. In our digital world, sometimes it is 
hard to believe how far we have come. But that short bond, less than a 
half an hour, played a historical role in advancing science and 
telecommunications forever.
  Former Senator Margaret Chase Smith is synonymous with statesmanship 
across Maine and the United States. How proud Senator Smith, who played 
an important role in Telstar's success, must have been when the first 
image shown across the Atlantic Ocean was a live shot of the American 
flag being held in Andover, Maine.
  Because of the unique partnership formed between Maine and France 
five decades ago, the world saw the potential in space and satellite 
communication, and in the power of sharing information around the 
globe.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special occasion.

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