[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 56 (Tuesday, April 23, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E518-E519]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF TOMMY LEONARD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tommy 
Leonard on receiving the esteemed Heritage Award from the Falmouth 
Historical Society. The award commemorates Mr. Leonard's 40 years as a 
community leader through his athletic and charitable endeavors.
  Falmouth's famous Great American Road Race was born from Mr. 
Leonard's love of running and community. The original idea for 
Falmouth's marquee event came to Mr. Leonard in 1972 when he was 
working as a bartender. As a long-time runner and unabashed fan of the 
sport, Mr. Leonard was enthralled by the efforts of Frank Shorter, the 
first American to win the Olympic Marathon in over 60 years. On that 
day in 1972, Mr. Shorter's historic effort in the Munich Olympics 
inspired Mr. Leonard to create a new tradition on Cape Cod. With 
assistance from Falmouth's track coach, John Carroll, and its 
recreation director, Rich Sherman, Mr. Leonard organized the town's 
first summer road race in 1973. Interest in the race grew, attracting 
such stars as ``Boston'' Billy Rodgers in 1974 and Frank Shorter 
himself in 1975. Today, Falmouth is considered one of the top races in 
the country and featured over 10,000 runners in 2011.
  Mr. Leonard continued to organize Falmouth's annual race, while 
shepherding kindred events in Nantucket, Holyoke, and Westfield, 
Massachusetts. The 20-time Boston Marathon participant is renowned for 
his generous

[[Page E519]]

spirit, tirelessly working to bring joy or aid to others. As a 
bartender at the beloved Eliot Lounge in Boston, Mr. Leonard maintained 
an emergency fund to assist members of the community in need. In 1991, 
he co-founded the annual Falmouth Walk, which raised $28,000 for local 
charities in 2011 alone. Each November, Mr. Leonard has sought to honor 
his fellow veterans by commemorating the Marine Corps' birthday with a 
reception at his restaurant. Over the years, Mr. Leonard has dedicated 
himself to countless charitable causes.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Tommy Leonard for his 
outstanding contributions to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. His 
passion has made a lasting impact on the Falmouth community, forging 
bonds between residents and attracting visitors from across the globe. 
I ask that you join me in thanking Mr. Leonard for a lifetime of 
service and advocacy.

                          ____________________