[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S3567]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING AL NEUHARTH

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, I wish today to honor the life and 
accomplishments of Al Neuharth.
  Al Neuharth was born in Eureka, SD, on March 22, 1924, where he spent 
his childhood years. Al's passion for journalism was evident at a very 
young age when at 11 he began his first job working as a newspaper 
carrier in his hometown. In high school, Al began writing for his 
school newspaper and later became editor.
  Soon after his graduation, Neuharth enlisted in the Army. Al 
honorably served his country during World War II in the 86th Infantry 
Division, under General Patton's 3rd Army. During his time in the 
service, Neuharth was awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat 
Infantryman's Badge for his bravery.
  After the war, Neuharth moved back to South Dakota, where he enrolled 
at the University of South Dakota. In 1950, he graduated with a degree 
in Journalism and upon graduation began working at the Associated Press 
in Sioux Falls, launching a historic career.
  In 1953, Neuharth moved to Florida to work for the Miami Herald. 
After spending several years at the Herald, in 1960 Neuharth left to 
work at the Detroit Free Press. In 1966, Neuharth launched a new paper 
called ``Today,'' which would later become ``Florida Today'' and 
eventually grow into the USA TODAY which was published for the first 
time on September 15, 1982. The USA TODAY would grow rapidly throughout 
the country and in 2001 was the most widely read paper in the country.
  Neuharth's career also included becoming the chairman and CEO of 
Gannett Co., Inc., where he oversaw a drastic expansion of the 
company's holdings. In 1991, Neuharth founded Freedom Forum, a 
nonpartisan international foundation dedicated to free press, free 
speech, and free spirit to all people. Freedom Forum funds and operates 
the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the history and impact of 
journalism. In 1999, Neuharth was honored for his lifetime achievements 
by the National Press Foundation with the Distinguished Contributions 
to Journalism Award.
  Al Neuharth passed away on April 19, 2013, at Cocoa Beach, FL, at the 
age of 89. He will be forever remembered for his impact on journalism 
and will always be one of South Dakota's favorite sons.

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