[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 18167]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING BENNY AND NELDA SPEAKS' 50TH ANNIVERSARY

  (Mr. CRAWFORD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the 50th 
anniversary of my good friends and fellow Arkansans, Benny and Nelda 
Speaks.
  Benny and Nelda first met in Mountain Home, Arkansas, Benny fresh out 
of the Navy, Nelda having returned home from business college in 
Springfield, Missouri.
  They were married on December 6, 1963. They have one daughter, 
Ladonnia Speaks Moranz; two grandchildren, Natosha and Brandon; and 
were blessed with one great-grandson, Logan.
  Madam Speaker, it is no easy task making it to the 50-year 
anniversary. It takes great commitment, a willingness to compromise and 
to listen, and a loving spirit. These qualities embody the relationship 
of the Speakses' marriage, serving as a testament and example to the 
rest of us.
  The Speakses are involved community leaders who truly care about 
Arkansas and have devoted much of their time and effort giving back to 
their community.
  I thank the Speakses for their friendship over the years, and I am so 
glad to be able to wish them a happy 50th wedding anniversary this 
December 6.

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