[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H7672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING ``BLUEBONNET BELLE''

  (Mr. WILLIAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. WILLIAMS. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize the famed 
Bluebonnet Belle C-47 Skytrain in Burnet, Texas, that I represent.
  The Bluebonnet Belle was designed and built in 1944. It flew more 
than 75 missions during World War II to carry cargo, passengers, and 
evacuate casualties.
  The Highland Lakes Squadron Commemorative Air Force purchased the 
Belle in 2002 where it then made its way to Burnet, Texas, and has 
called the Lone Star State home ever since.
  As recently as last year, this aircraft was used to transport food 
and supplies to the good people of Texas who suffered from Hurricane 
Harvey. It logged 13.6 flight hours going back and forth, which is 
incredible for a plane of this age.
  Unfortunately, on Saturday, June 21, as the plane headed for the 
Oshkosh Air Show in Wisconsin, it crashed upon takeoff before catching 
fire and eventually exploding.
  By the grace of God, all 13 crew members and passengers aboard the 
aircraft survived and are now in good spirits and safe.
  I am thankful for the first responders who tended the aircrew and to 
those who helped contain the fire. I am sad to say that the Bluebonnet 
Belle will not be able to be restored. It is a huge loss for Burnet and 
for Texas 25. We will always remember this plane and all it 
accomplished across the United States and the world. It was a treasure 
that cannot be replaced.
  In God we trust.

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