[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 84 (Thursday, May 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      COMMEMORATING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RMS ``QUEEN MARY''

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                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2016

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the 80th Anniversary of the 
maiden voyage of the RMS Queen Mary.
  On May 27, 1936, over a quarter million spectators were on hand in 
Southampton, England to experience the magnificent world debut of the 
Queen Mary. At the time, the Queen Mary was the most advanced ship ever 
built, but its long storied history is what we are truly celebrating 
this month.
  The Queen Mary was the grandest ocean liner in the world carrying 
dignitaries like Prime Minister Winston Churchill, royalty like the 
Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Hollywood celebrities like Bob Hope 
and Clark Gable.
  When World War II began, this luxury ocean liner was transformed into 
a key vessel for our Allied forces. The ship carried over 16,000 
American soldiers from New York to Great Britain. It continued 
operating throughout the war, and due to the Queen Mary's high speed it 
was difficult for German U boats to catch it.
  On numerous occasions, the ship carried Prime Minister Winston 
Churchill across the Atlantic for meetings with our fellow Allied 
Forces. The ship was a key asset in assuring our ultimate victory.
  After our victory in Europe, thousands of our brave soldiers traveled 
home onboard the Queen Mary, and were given a hero's welcome as the 
vessel returned to American ports.
  Today, the RMS Queen Mary is proudly docked in Long Beach, 
California. It serves as a treasured attraction where guests can come 
aboard and learn more about the history of this extravagant vessel. The 
ship features a full service hotel and hosts school groups, conventions 
and tourists from all over the world. To date, the Queen Mary has 
welcomed over 60 million guests.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to help celebrate the 80th 
Anniversary of the RMS Queen Mary. I am proud to represent the City of 
Long Beach in my district, which has the great honor of having this 
truly magical vessel permanently docked in its harbor.

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