[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1523]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ED WALKER AND ``THE BIG BROADCAST''

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                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to 
congratulate WAMU 88.5's ``The Big Broadcast'' on its 50th anniversary 
and to celebrate the extraordinary accomplishments and career of my 
constituent, Ed Walker, one of the most respected radio broadcasters in 
generations. Mr. Walker's distinguished career spans over 50 years as a 
broadcaster, most recently as the outstanding host since 1990 of The 
Big Broadcast.
  Through The Big Broadcast, Mr. Walker has kept alive and shared with 
new generations the classic radio shows of a bygone era--shows like 
``The Lone Ranger,'' ``Gunsmoke'' and ``Fibber McGee.'' The art form in 
these broadcasts was magnificent, of the highest quality, and truly 
innovative. In addition to entertaining us, they served a unique role 
in American society by uniting us with imagery that one finds only in 
radio, featuring the great writing and talent of the performers, and 
sharing unique perspectives. Families would crowd around the radio 
listening for the latest episodes and waiting to learn of the latest 
heroics or antics of their favorite characters. In the Big Broadcast, 
Mr. Walker not only brought all of this extraordinary material to us 
week after week, but put it in context and served as our tour guide 
through decades of American history as portrayed through the wonderful 
radio broadcasts.
  Mr. Walker was appropriately recognized in 2009 by the Radio Hall of 
Fame for his lifetime of achievements, placed alongside the greats that 
include Bob Hope and Abbott & Costello. I am pleased and honored to 
represent him in the U.S. House of Representatives. I ask my colleagues 
to join me in congratulating Mr. Walker on his distinguished 
contributions to radio and to our cultural heritage.

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