[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 195 (Tuesday, November 28, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5931]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1945
              RECOGNIZING ASTRONAUT VIRGIL ``GUS'' GRISSOM

  (Mrs. HOUCHIN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. HOUCHIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a hero, a 
trailblazer, and an inspiration to all, astronaut Virgil ``Gus'' 
Grissom.
  Growing up in Indiana, I am honored to pay tribute to this remarkable 
man as he is inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame.
  Gus Grissom's contributions to space exploration are tremendous. He 
was one of America's original astronauts.
  In 1961, he made history when he became the second American to travel 
to space. He later commanded the Gemini 3 mission, paving the way for 
the Moon landing.
  Gus was a man of courage, unwavering dedication, and profound 
commitment to his country. Gus was a native son of Indiana. Born and 
raised in Mitchell, he embodied the spirit of the heartland and carried 
those values into space.
  Though his life was tragically cut short during a prelaunch test for 
the Apollo 1 mission, his legacy continues.
  He exemplified the qualities that define our military veterans: 
bravery, sacrifice, and service to a cause greater than oneself.
  Today, we remember Gus Grissom not just for his achievements in space 
exploration and service to his country, but for the inspiration he 
continues to provide to countless Americans young and old. His name 
will forever be etched in the archives of American history.
  As we honored him with this induction into the Indiana Military 
Veterans Hall of Fame this month, let us be reminded of the courageous 
spirit of exploration and of the bravery of all of our veterans who 
have made the ultimate sacrifices.
  Gus Grissom's legacy lives on, and we are privileged to celebrate his 
life and achievements. May his memory continue to inspire generations 
to come.

                          ____________________