[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16979]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING AND CELEBRATING THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF VAN P. AND 
                             MARGARET SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE PENCE

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2010

  Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Van P. and Margaret 
Smith--of Muncie, Indiana--on the extraordinary occasion of their 
fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their dedication to one another, their 
family, their friends, and their community is a shining example of the 
foundational values which have made this nation great.
   Margaret Ann Kennedy, born October 27, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, 
moved to Muncie with her family as a young girl. There she attended 
Muncie Central High School and graduated from Ball State University in 
1956 with a degree in Education. She went on to teach at Washington 
Elementary School in Muncie from 1956 to 1961.
   Van P. Smith was born on September 8, 1928, in Oneida, New York. He 
graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Public 
Administration and Economics in 1950, and from Georgetown University 
with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1955. He has also received honorary 
doctorate degrees from Ball State, Colgate, Indiana State, and 
Vincennes Universities as well as the Catholic University of America.
   Van and Margaret met through mutual friends and were married on 
November 19, 1950. They made their home in Muncie, Indiana, where they 
continue to be active members of the community. The Smith's have a 
large and loving family, including five children and nineteen 
grandchildren. Margaret has been a loving and tirelessly devoted 
spouse, mother, and grandmother, while Van has been the leader and 
captain of their tight knit family.
   Both Van and Margaret have given back to their local community for 
decades now, and I cannot praise them enough for their many generous 
charitable gifts. Margaret remains active with St. Mary's Parish, Tri 
Kappa Sorority, and the Harvest Soup Kitchen. For over 50 years, Van 
served as an owner and executive leader of Ontario Corporation, 
employing hundreds of Hoosiers. He was also instrumental in purchasing 
the Sherry Laboratories unit, where he still reports for work daily at 
the age of 82. He is recognized by community and business leaders as a 
respected and honored entrepreneur, dedicated to faith, family, and 
integrity. His accolades and achievements, though too numerous to list 
in this brief tribute, have had an immeasurable impact on not only my 
congressional district, but the entire state of Indiana and beyond. 
Perhaps most moving to me is the influence that Van and Margaret Smith 
have had on my life and on my family. My history with Van and Margaret 
goes back many years, and not only are they dear friends, but they have 
been a source of great guidance to me; words are inadequate to relay 
the depth of gratitude I feel for them both. The Good Book tells us 
that ``the fear of the Lord adds length to life,'' and it is clear that 
the Lord has had His hand on this remarkable couple. Their contribution 
is indeed impressive on a local, state, national, and international 
level. However, their defining characteristic is the depth of their 
humility and the breadth of their generosity. As is evident to all who 
are fortunate to know them, Van and Margaret have strived to live their 
lives honoring to God, family, friends, and their community with 
integrity and character.
   Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Van and Margaret Smith on their 
fifty wonderful years of marriage and humbly thank them for their years 
of community service and friendship. I honor and applaud them for their 
dedication and generosity and pray God's best for them and their 
family.

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