[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 4615-4616]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HAPPY BIRTHDAY GEORGE WIDMAN

 Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I 
come to the floor today to wish a legendary North Dakota businessman, 
George Widman, a happy belated birthday. On Saturday, March 12, George 
turned 85. He celebrated this momentous birthday yesterday with friends 
and family. I never forget George's birthday because we share March 12 
as our birthdays.
  George and I have known each other many years, and his resiliency is 
something I have long admired. Following the disastrous floods and fire 
that struck downtown Grand Forks in 1997, George was wondering whether 
or not his world famous Widman's Candy Store would see another day. He 
told his wife, Betty, they could build the new candy store anywhere in 
the world, but they both agreed it was best to stay in Grand Forks and 
rebuild their business they had spent so many years crafting into a 
downtown Grand Forks landmark.
  After Grand Forks had started to rebuild following this disastrous 
flood, George was kind enough to send every U.S. Senator a Widman's 
chocolate bar with the words ``thank you'' imprinted on it. This 
describes George's approach to life: give of yourself for the benefit 
of others.
  George epitomizes everything North Dakota represents. Growing up 
during the Great Depression, he learned at an early age that in order 
to succeed hard work is required. He is very proud of his military 
service in World War II. He is a Navy veteran and served on the USS 
Bunker Hill from 1942 until his ship was hit in battle in 1945, He is 
devoted to his family, his community, and his Nation--all reasons we 
should pay tribute to George on his birthday and every day.
  Today, three of George's six children are also in the candy business. 
Even though he has long passed the normal retirement age in our Nation, 
he stills comes to work every day to make candy and interact with the 
public he loves dearly. As George puts it, it's not about the money, 
but the people he serves.
  Again, it is my pleasure to honor George on his 85th birthday and 
wish him continued health and happiness.

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