CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE February
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
2278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—SENATE February 27, 2001 Upon returning from Italy in the early Commission for 26 years under seven dif- Seventy-five fifth graders in the 1930’s, the 16-year-old orphan arrived in New ferent governors. This led him to bring 77 Community Service Club of Shoemaker York City, where he was told his pugilism professional bouts to Montana, including School conducted a walk-a-thon to could earn him money. He paid his dues three world championship fights. As chair- raise money for paralyzed veterans sleeping in an Eastside gym and in Central man of the Commission, he promoted the Park in order to get his big break. Lying Gene Fullmer-Joey Giardello Middleweight across the United States through the about his age, he fought amateur bouts until Championship of the World title match on Paralyzed Veterans of America. The an agent spotted him and said, ‘‘You’ve got April 29, 1960, in Bozeman. walk-a-thon occurred over several talent, kid, but the Irish control the game. Basements and gyms all over Billings and school days, where the children walked Nobody is gonna come see an Italian boxer!’’ Laurel were the sites for years to come as during breaks during the school day. Sonny’s reddish hair and freckles were the Sonny trained young fighters. He estimated Some children even sacrificed their perfect fit to a new identity—Sonny O’Day— that he helped develop 2,500–3,000 fighters lunches and walked in the rain and during those years. and new birthdate—St. Patrick’s Day. cold weather just to raise a few more Spanning the next 17 years, welterweight The Student Council of Eastern Montana Sonny fought 529 fights, lost 32 and had, as College, now Montana State University-Bil- dollars. Sonny used to say, ‘‘some draws and the rest lings, originated the annual Sonny O’Day These fine young Americans set a wins,’’ in Madison Square Garden, Sunset Smoker, a fund raiser that entertained the wonderful example to men, women, and Garden, and other major venues throughout greater Billings area from 1975–81. children everywhere. With a little ini- the United States. He first met World Heavy Sonny’s civic community service included tiative and a lot of heart, the fifth Weight Champion Jack Dempsey when he 30 years as a Kiwanian, including service as graders at Shoemaker School were able refereed one of Sonny’s early fights. a State Lieutenant Governor; a lifetime member of the Elks; and a founding member to help paralyzed veterans throughout Living by the adage: ‘‘Smile and the world our great Nation. I commend each and smiles with you, cry and you cry alone,’’ of the Montana Gambling Commission. Al- Sonny was known to greet strangers with his though he was a professional boxer, he did everyone of these dedicated, selfless famous smile, booming voice, crunching not believe in corporal punishment, and his children, and it is an honor for me to handshake, and the introductory greeting, daughters fondly remember they never re- recognize them today.∑ ceived anything but love from ‘‘those reg- ‘‘Shake the hand that shook the world!’’ f His love of Butte was as strong as his hand- istered hands!’’ Whenever the mines in Butte shake. He rarely called the city by name. To went on strike, he would spearhead caravans MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT of trucks to take food and presents to the him, it was ‘‘The Sacred City,’’ and Butte Messages from the President of the cherished him in return, calling him ‘‘The miners. He never forgot to feed the alley Mayor of Meaderville,’’ ‘‘The Meaderville cats—even on holidays. For a man who had United States were communicated to Phantom,’’ and ‘‘Butte’s Boxing Star.’’ earned his living by the ‘‘manly act of self- the Senate by Ms. Evans, one of his Sonny took his professional boxing earn- defense,’’ as Sonny called it, those who knew secretaries. him saw a gentle soul who lavished kisses ings and opened two famous Butte night- f clubs in the late 1930’s: The Savoy and Mel- and never hesitated to cry tears of sadness or ody Lane. There, he entertained sports and joy. EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED Hollywood greats including Gene Tunney, His love of cooking was legendary, and no one could enter his home without being in- As in executive session the Presiding Cary Grant and Barbara Hutton. Officer laid before the Senate messages He proudly served the U.S. Army during vited to dinner. His family never knew who World War II, and married Carra Burton on Sonny would bring home to dinner. Jack from the President of the United September 20, 1944, while stationed in Gads- Dempsey, Sugar Ray Seale, numerous gov- States submitting sundry nominations den, Alabama. The couple returned to Mon- ernors and senators, including Mike Mans- which were referred to the appropriate tana after the war where he established his field, sat at the family table in Laurel. committees. bar and tavern in Laurel. Sonny never forgot his Italian roots, and (The nominations received today are Sonny O’Day’s ‘‘Boxing Hall of Cham- continued to visit and support his sister and her family in Lucca until her death. Visits to printed at the end of the Senate pro- pions,’’ complete with a boxing ring, was his ceedings.) passion. He entertained beneath his pictures the family villa in Lucca rejuvenated him. and memorabilia with stories that rhap- He was especially proud of the family legacy: f The Ragghianti Art Museum, renowned in sodized his listeners. He loved every minute REPORT ON THE EMERGENCY DE- of it, and bragged that he would never retire. the province of Tuscany. Children came in for free candy, and parents Sonny is survived by his wife of 56 years, CLARED WITH RESPECT TO THE came in for Sonny to give the kids their first Carra Burton George; his three daughters: GOVERNMENT OF CUBA’S DE- lessons in self-defense. Sonny’s bar was a Mary-Glynn, Terry, Cromwell of Missoula STRUCTION OF TWO UNARMED local tourist attraction for years, and is list- and grandchildren Charlie, Lauren and U.S. REGISTERED CIVILIAN AIR- ed as one of Montana’s favorites in a number David; Nancy, Sam, Talboom of Green River, CRAFT IN INTERNATIONAL AIR- Wyo. and grandchildren Justin, Carlee, and of publications. SPACE NORTH OF CUBA ON FEB- Sonny’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations Jake; and Shelley, Larry, Van Atta of Bil- lings and grandchildren John, Nick, and RUARY 14, 1996 IS TO CONTINUE were legendary for thousands of fans who de- IN EFFECT BEYOND MARCH 1, scended on the community. It was cus- Marissa; sister-in-law Lois George and her tomary for the Governor—Republican or children Michael and Mary Grace, of San 2001—MESSAGE FROM THE PRESI- Democrat—to call Sonny on St. Patrick’s Diego, Calif.; and nieces Elisa Mussi and DENT—PM 6 Lalla Volpi, and nephew Carlo Volpi, of Day to wish him happy birthday. In 1986, The PRESIDING OFFICER laid be- Governor Ted Schwinden decided a phone Lucca, Italy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gus George; sister Mary fore the Senate the following message call wasn’t good enough, and came to Laurel from the President of the United to host Sonny’s St. Patrick’s Day party. The Volpi; and son-in-law John Pingree. Laurel Chamber of Commerce surprised God surely must be dancing in Heaven, States, together with an accompanying Sonny on St. Patrick’s Day 1995 by honoring knowing you’re joining Him, Sonny; just as report; which was referred to the Com- him for 50 years of business. The highlight you surely will tell Him, ‘‘It’s all in the foot- mittee on Banking, Housing, and ∑ was a celebrated bout between Sonny and work.’’ Urban Affairs. special guest Todd Foster, fellow Montana f To the Congress of the United States: boxing welterweight and 1988 Olympian. Fos- IN HONOR OF THE FIFTH GRAD- ter allowed Sonny his final knockout punch Section 202(d) of the National Emer- for the ‘‘Downtown Laurel Businessmen’s ERS AT SHOEMAKER SCHOOL IN gencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides Crown.’’ MACUNGIE, PENNSYLVANIA for the automatic termination of a na- In 1952, Golden Gloves Boxing came to ∑ Mr. SANTORUM. Mr. President, I tional emergency unless, prior to the Montana, and Sonny helped train these stand before you today to recognize a anniversary date of its declaration, the young fighters. At the Shrine Temple in Bil- select number of outstanding students President publishes in the Federal Reg- lings, Golden Gloves championships of an from Macungie, Pennsylvania. I was ister and transmits to the Congress a eight-State region took place, and Sonny ref- ereed the very first bout and many more honored to hear of a tremendous serv- notice stating that the emergency is to over the years. ice that these fine young boys and girls continue in effect beyond the anniver- When boxing turned professional in Mon- did at Shoemaker School in November sary date. In accordance with this pro- tana, Sonny served on the State Athletic of last year. vision, I have sent the enclosed notice VerDate Aug 04 2004 02:54 Feb 05, 2005 Jkt 089102 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0686 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR01\S27FE1.000 S27FE1.