[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 21 (Thursday, February 4, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CONGRATULATIONS TO ORION SAMUELSON ON HIS RETIREMENT

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Orion Samuelson 
on his retirement and to thank him for his 60 years of work at WGN 
Radio and Nexstar Media.
  Orion's Hall of Fame career leaves behind a legacy known throughout 
the country, especially in our agriculture community in central and 
west central Illinois.
  Born on a dairy farm in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Orion got his start in 
radio in Appleton and Green Bay. In 1960, he came to Chicago and joined 
WGN Radio as their farm director. In the six decades since, Orion has 
become the best known voice in agriculture radio. From presenting his 
signature farm reports to anchoring ``The Noon Show'' and hosting his 
``U.S. Farm Report,'' which still airs today, Orion is a legend in 
broadcasting and agriculture. In 1963, Orion was the first to read the 
on-air bulletin that President Kennedy had been assassinated in Dallas.
  His booming and distinctive voice is known well throughout Illinois 
and in our agriculture community. We will miss hearing his voice on 
air, seeing him at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, and hearing 
his reports that helped guide our farmers to success over the years.
  I want to thank Orion for his years of work and service, and I hope 
he enjoys a well-earned retirement.

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