[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7470]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       REMARKS ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE

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                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 75th 
anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge--a great feat of technological 
and engineering mastery, a San Francisco landmark, and a national 
treasure. Today, it is my distinct honor and high privilege to mark its 
75th birthday on the floor of the House of Representatives.
  Proving that in times of hardship, America has always invested in big 
things, the Golden Gate Bridge was built in the midst of the Great 
Depression. San Franciscans were out of work and saw no end to their 
woes. Yet voters nonetheless approved the construction bonds to build 
the bridge. As collateral, San Franciscans were willing to risk their 
homes, their farms and their businesses--their very livelihoods, in the 
hope that the toll dollars would help pay back the bonds. The Golden 
Gate Bridge was a symbol of hope and a vision for the future.
  Joseph Strauss envisioned the Bridge, which takes its name from the 
Golden Gateway that links the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco Bay. 
It was Irving Morrow who designed the Art Deco styling and its world-
famous international orange color that made the Bridge distinct and 
unique. The many engineers who constructed the Bridge all shared the 
American spirit that makes our country great. When it opened on May 27, 
1937 Strauss shared his poem, ``The mighty the task is done'' which 
encapsulated all that had been accomplished.
  Twenty-five years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of participating 
in the 50th anniversary celebrations where hundreds of thousands of 
people crowded onto the Bridge to celebrate. The enormity of the crowd 
was so unexpected that the Bridge flattened under its weight. Today, 
the Golden Gate Bridge remains the most graceful and spectacular bridge 
in the world, beloved by our city and visited annually by millions of 
people from around the globe. It is a beautiful welcome to the many who 
flock to America's shores.
  Whether as a child first viewing the Golden Gate Bridge being 
mesmerized by its size, or as a worker whose lifework has kept the 
bridge strong, or as a traveler who relies on the bridge daily, it is a 
lasting symbol of San Francisco, of human tenacity and ingenuity, and 
is resplendent in the Western sun.
  With great pride I join all San Franciscans in paying tribute to the 
Golden Gate Bridge: our constant joy, our faithful companion, and our 
City's pride.

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