[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 17, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        MAYOR JON ARTHUR SIMMONS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 17, 2020

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize and 
honor Mayor Jon Arthur Simmons of Vienna, Illinois--a remarkable man 
who has humbly dedicated his life to service, both to Southern Illinois 
and our great nation.
  Jon was born in Goreville Township, Illinois on June 15, 1941 to John 
and Veneta Simmons. He attended Vienna High School, graduating in 1959. 
Four years later, in 1963, Jon was drafted into the United States Army, 
serving in Vietnam until being honorably discharged in 1965. In 2019, 
Jon was honored with the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC as 
part of the Southern Illinois Honor Flight. Jon recalls the experience 
and the welcome home celebration as humbling, a drastic contrast to his 
experience coming home from Vietnam where the soldiers were not 
welcomed and treated unkindly.
  Jon became an auctioneer in 1974 which has sent him all over Southern 
Illinois. His slogan states, ``Auction means action, and we guarantee 
satisfaction''. The people with whom he has interacted throughout the 
years would agree. Furthermore, Jon has demonstrated this motto in his 
local community, always being a reliable helping hand to whoever is in 
need. For the last 12 years, Jon has served as the Mayor of Vienna, 
Illinois and has spent his career working to progress the city he 
loves.
  At the end of 2020, Jon will retire from auctioneering after 46 years 
and serving as Mayor of Vienna after 12 years. Diabetes, a heart 
attack, and cancer of the bladder has impacted Jon's health, a 
consequence of his exposure to agent orange while serving our country.
  Madam Speaker, Jon Simmons has proven to be an asset to his family, 
community, and country. I want to thank Mayor Simmons for his service 
throughout the years and wish him well in his retirement.

                          ____________________