[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20149]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         A TRIBUTE TO GENE AUTRY AND THE AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ADAM B. SCHIFF

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 23, 2007

  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial of 
Gene Autry's birth. Gene Autry was a great American patriot and hero, 
whose vision and spirit was characteristic of the American West that he 
came to represent.
  Today also marks another momentous occasion, the Autry National 
Center's 20th Annual Gala. Twenty years ago, the Autry National Center 
held its first gala prior to the opening of the Gene Autry Museum of 
Western Heritage.
  Gene Autry was born 100 years ago in Tioga, TX. He arrived in 
California and became famous as the ``singing cowboy.'' Gene, known for 
his innovation, revolutionized American cinema, pioneering the western 
musical. He is the only entertainer to date to have been awarded all 
five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Gene Autry was also the first 
movie star to use television as a way of reaching his audience. It was 
through his music and his warm and winning smile that he connected with 
people. He conveyed a deep sense of patriotism, encouraging his 
audience, young and old, to be kind to one another and live by the high 
minded standards of conduct, ``The Cowboy Code,'' to which he held 
himself.
  Gene Autry and his beloved horse Champion were always at the ready 
and eager to serve their country. Gene joined up with the Army Air 
Corps in 1942, earning the title of sergeant, flying fuel, ammunition, 
and arms over the Himalayas. After the war, Mr. Autry toured with a USO 
troupe in the South Pacific, bringing the familiar melody of home to 
the distantly stationed troops.
  In 1988, Gene Autry, along with his wife Jackie Autry, founded the 
Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage. In his lifetime Gene Autry was 
able to fulfill his dream of building a ``museum which would exhibit 
and interpret the heritage of the West and show how it influenced 
America and the world.''
  In 2003, the Autry National Center was established, commemorating the 
American West through its three institutions, the Southwest Museum of 
the American Indian, the Museum of the American West, and the Institute 
for the Study of the American West. In keeping with the spirit of Gene 
Autry, the Autry National Center provides insight into the diverse 
tapestry of cultures and peoples that make up the American West. The 
success of the Autry National Center is largely due to Jackie Autry's 
unsurpassed dedication and devotion to the vision of her late husband.
  It is my pleasure to honor the centennial of Gene Autry's birth as 
well as the Autry National Center on its 20 years of service to the 
southern California community. I ask all members to join me in 
commending the Autry National Center.

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