[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 110 (Thursday, June 26, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S3549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE LIFE, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND LEGACY OF FREDERICK W. SMITH

  Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. President, last week, our Nation lost a 
revolutionary business leader, a committed philanthropist, an 
incredible Tennessean; his name, Fred Smith.
  Like all great leaders, Fred had a vision for a better future, and he 
did everything possible to make it happen. That is why, in 1973, he 
founded FedEx with a simple yet bold idea: improve overnight delivery.
  Today, we take instant shipping for granted in many ways. It is the 
engine of our global economy, but back then, it was not considered to 
be a practical or workable idea.
  So it took Fred to make it happen. He pioneered innovations in 
transportation and logistics, and those pioneering innovations have 
defined the industry ever since. He truly led the way, and it was not 
easy. But with his commitment to excellence, he grew FedEx into a $53 
billion company that employs half a million people, connects more than 
220 countries and territories, and moves more than 17 million shipments 
each and every day.
  Even with his global accomplishments, Fred never lost sight of home. 
He based his company in his hometown of Memphis, turning the city into 
a center for global logistics. And through his philanthropic support 
for education, community programs, arts, healthcare, and more, he 
always found ways to give back to his community and to make Memphis a 
better place.
  In many ways, service truly defined his life. Before founding FedEx, 
Fred served for 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, including two tours 
in Vietnam. He was decorated with a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two 
Purple Hearts.
  But for Fred, the greatest honor was serving alongside his troops as 
a company commander. In an interview last year, Fred recounted a time 
when the men in his company dug his foxhole for him so that he could 
get more rest.

       They were as tired or more tired, but they took their 
     energy to take care of me. And it was one of the best things 
     that ever happened to me, because it told me they cared for 
     me, they appreciated my leadership.

  We should all be grateful for Fred Smith and that he chose a life of 
leadership and service.
  On behalf of all Tennesseans, I extend my heartfelt condolences to 
Fred's beloved wife Diane, his nine children, and his entire family.
  Mr. President, as if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule 
XXII, I ask unanimous consent, the Senate proceed to the consideration 
of S. Res. 308, which is at the desk.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Res. 308) honoring the life, achievements, 
     and legacy of Frederick W. Smith.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mrs. BLACKBURN. I ask unanimous consent the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be 
considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or 
debate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Res. 308) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record 
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')

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