[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 27, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF NORMAN LEAR

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 27, 2022

  Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, happily, I rise today in celebration of 
the 100th birthday of a towering titan of American television, a 
patriotic champion of our civil liberties and a dear friend to many in 
the Congress: the legendary Norman Lear.
  Over his long and storied career, Norman has been a singular force in 
shaping our nation's culture. From the Golden Age of TV to the 
Streaming Age of today, from our television sets to the silver screen, 
he has challenged our nation to grapple with issues of power, privilege 
and prejudice, long considered taboo. In doing so, he has helped break 
down barriers between our communities, while inspiring generations of 
Americans with his magnificent and moving artistry.
  Born a century ago in New Haven, Connecticut, Norman Lear was raised 
in a family that took immense pride in their Jewish heritage and 
values. Even as a child, Norman dared to dream of a world where 
diversity was not merely tolerated, but celebrated. Driven by this 
vision, he dropped out of college at just twenty years old to enlist in 
the United States Air Force and join the fight against fascism. He 
bravely flew 52 combat missions in the European theater--and for his 
valiant, patriotic service, he was awarded the distinguished Air Medal 
with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
  After fighting for freedom across the Atlantic, Norman returned to 
the United States to carry on his mission of advancing liberty, justice 
and equality through American culture. A gifted writer and a masterful 
storyteller, he created many of television's most iconic sitcoms: 
including from All in the Family to Sanford and Son, from Maude to The 
Jeffersons. Refusing to be satisfied with merely commercial success, he 
used his commanding platform and trademark wit to speak truth to power. 
His groundbreaking scripts and unforgettable characters breathed new 
life into essential discussions of racism, sexism, homophobia and 
more--sparking similar conversations in living rooms across the 
country. Our nation is grateful that, even at 100 years old, Norman 
continues to bless us with his sharp insights and creative brilliance 
today.
  At the same time, Norman's impact was not simply confined to the 
writer's room. His unrelenting love of America is legendary, as 
demonstrated when he purchased an original copy of the Declaration of 
Independence and sent it around the country--so all of America, in its 
beautiful diversity, could bear witness to and celebrate our founding 
document.
  Norman's deep patriotism has helped strengthen our Democracy. As the 
founder of People for the American Way, he has played a pivotal role in 
the defense of free speech, the right to vote and the guardrails 
between church and state. In doing so, he has pushed our nation to live 
up to our founding values of truth, freedom and justice--and advancing 
a future where all children can live free from barriers to achieving 
their fullest-potential.
  Indeed, his cultural creations and determined activism have earned 
the admiration of many Members of Congress and countless Americans 
across the country. His outstanding career has paved the way for 
generations of artists to follow in his footsteps, continuing his 
legacy of pushing the boundaries of cultural conversations and fighting 
for progressive change.
  On behalf of his many friends in Congress, we join in celebrating 
this momentous milestone in Norman's extraordinary life. We wish him, 
his dear wife Lyn, his beloved children Kate, Benjamin, Maggie, 
Brianna, Madeline and Ellen, and the entire Lear family all the best as 
they celebrate this joyous occasion.

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