[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 109 (Thursday, June 22, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S2218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           120TH ANNIVERSARY OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Harley-
Davidson's 120th anniversary. I am honored to recognize this iconic 
Wisconsin company and to commemorate this momentous milestone.
  Though the style and swagger of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are now 
known across the entire world, the origin story of these bikes humbly 
began in a machine shop on Milwaukee's North Side in 1903. This was 
where two young best friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, 
first experimented with different prototypes for a motorized bicycle. 
While their first model struggled to scale the hills of Milwaukee's 
streets, Harley and Davidson understood the promise that their 
invention held. Less than a year later, an updated prototype placed 
fourth in a motorcycle race at State Fair Park.
  As Harley-Davidson's business and production rapidly grew in the 
following years, so did its place in American history. In 1907, the 
company began selling its motorcycles to police departments, a 
tradition that remains to this day. In 1917, the U.S. military adopted 
Harley-Davidson motorcycles for military issue during the First World 
War, purchasing over 20,000 units for the war effort. Bolstered by the 
strong sense of resolve and innovation that we all associate with our 
legacy American manufacturers, the company was able to survive the 
Great Depression, leading to a historic partnership with the U.S. Army 
during the Second World War.
  Today, Harley-Davidson remains one of the largest motorcycle 
manufacturers in the world and is famous for a loyal following that 
spans the far reaches of the globe. While Harley-Davidson holds onto 
its roots, it also looks to the future. The new Harley-Davidson 
LiveWire electric motorcycle released in 2019 continues the company's 
commitment to style, craftsmanship, and an unparalleled riding 
experience.
  Though everyone knows the look and sound of a Harley-Davidson bike 
when they see one, the company has expanded their business with 
merchandise that people from all backgrounds are desperate to get their 
hands on. There are now Harley-Davidson dealerships in nearly 100 
countries, but the company has kept true to its roots with its 
headquarters located in Milwaukee. In 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum 
opened to the public, allowing fans to experience more than 100 years 
of history up close. The museum remains a top tourist destination for 
Milwaukee, reinforcing the shared identity between a great American 
city and manufacturer.
  What began as a motorcycle prototype stored in a Milwaukee family 
backyard has become an unparalleled vehicle for adventure across the 
open roads of the Earth. Yet beyond the roar of an engine or the 
classic look of a motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has come to symbolize the 
freedom we all know as Americans. On the 120th anniversary of this 
American icon, I am proud to recognize the Harley-Davidson Motor 
Company and look forward to many more years of success.

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