[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 23 (Thursday, February 9, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E169-E170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING MAYOR MICHAEL ``MICKEY'' STRAUB

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 2017

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a dedicated public 
servant from the Sixth Congressional District of Illinois, Mayor 
Michael ``Mickey'' Straub of Burr Ridge. Almost five years ago, Mayor 
Straub embarked on a historic and patriotic pilgrimage in honor

[[Page E170]]

of Lincoln and our veterans when he visited 50 capitols in 50 days.
   In 2012, between September 4 and October 17, Mayor Straub drove 
nearly 15,000 miles to 48 state capitols and flew to two others--Hawaii 
and Alaska. His momentous journey began in Pennsylvania, and after a 
small ceremony in Gettysburg outside the home where Lincoln finished 
writing the Address, he traveled to the state capitol in Harrisburg. 
Forty-three days later, he concluded his capitol journey in 
Springfield, Illinois in front of the Lincoln Tomb.
   The historic and record breaking trip was no easy task. The trip 
cost over $20,000 and added a great many miles to his Lincoln Town Car, 
homage to the 16th President. Nevertheless, Mayor Straub remained 
steadfast in his belief that the journey was a great success due to God 
and the American people saying, ``I launched the trip on behalf of God 
and country, but it was actually God and country that pulled me 
through. It started more about principles and patriotism, but it was 
the people who kept me going.''
   Mayor Straub has represented his community well and has been a 
strong voice for the Village of Burr Ridge throughout his time in 
office. His service to the people of Burr Ridge and to Illinois is 
truly commendable. It is our hope that the public will continue to 
benefit from his involvement as a valued member of the community and 
Mayor of Burr Ridge.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mayor Mickey Straub on 
his historic journey across the United States, and also taking his lead 
in remembering the spirit of the Gettysburg Address and President 
Lincoln.

                          ____________________