[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 9776]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING MR. AND MRS. JAMES AILSHIE AND THE ``J4''

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Roe) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ROE of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. 
and Mrs. James Ailshie, who are celebrating their 79th year of 
marriage. James Ailshie was born in 1912, and his lovely wife, Dussie, 
in 1914. The two are proud parents of six wonderful children, all of 
whom are residents of East Tennessee.
  When asked how they have maintained such an incredible marriage, the 
couple always responds with, ``The secret of a long life together is a 
four letter word, love.'' In my opinion, the Ailshie marriage is a 
living testimony of what love truly is. Let theirs serve as an example 
to all of us, that love and dedication can truly last a lifetime.
  However, their marriage is more than simply an affirmation of love. 
Across the years they have witnessed times of joy and times of 
hardship, yet their commitment has endured. The qualities of character 
that have enabled them to sustain their union and build their family 
are the same qualities that are fundamental to the strength of our 
Nation. May we continue to be blessed with Americans who cherish the 
values of our traditions.
  Married in 1930, the Ailshies have shared many yesterdays together. 
It has been said that, ``An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys 
of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow.'' It is 
my hope that they will go on and see many, many more tomorrows 
together.
  Madam Speaker, I rise also today to congratulate Jessi, Jedediah, 
Josiah, and Josephine Smith, better known as ``J4,'' who were declared 
the winner of the CBS Early Show's Singing Family Face Off this week. 
The competition began months ago when roughly 700 videos of family 
bands performing were submitted by Early Show viewers.
  The ``J4'' siblings performed the Mary Mary's song ``Shackles,'' on 
the Early Show, which advanced them to the finals. CBS said they were 
chosen as the winner based on votes through the network's Web site.
  ``J4'' is made up of four siblings, aged 7 to 15, all with names 
beginning with the letter ``J'' from the Smith family in Bluff City, 
Tennessee. The oldest two have played for a couple of years for 
services at the church across the street from their home where their 
dad, Mark, is pastor.
  The Smith kids are the children of Mark and Lori Smith. They're home-
schooled and very involved in music, including piano and violin.
  Congratulations again to ``J4.'' They make East Tennessee proud.

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