The publication is reproduced in full below:
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF NORMAN LEAR
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HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, happily, I rise today in celebration of the 100th birthday of a towering titan of American television, a patriotic champion of our civil liberties and a dear friend to many in the Congress: the legendary Norman Lear.
Over his long and storied career, Norman has been a singular force in shaping our nation's culture. From the Golden Age of TV to the Streaming Age of today, from our television sets to the silver screen, he has challenged our nation to grapple with issues of power, privilege and prejudice, long considered taboo. In doing so, he has helped break down barriers between our communities, while inspiring generations of Americans with his magnificent and moving artistry.
Born a century ago in New Haven, Connecticut, Norman Lear was raised in a family that took immense pride in their Jewish heritage and values. Even as a child, Norman dared to dream of a world where diversity was not merely tolerated, but celebrated. Driven by this vision, he dropped out of college at just twenty years old to enlist in the United States Air Force and join the fight against fascism. He bravely flew 52 combat missions in the European theater--and for his valiant, patriotic service, he was awarded the distinguished Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
After fighting for freedom across the Atlantic, Norman returned to the United States to carry on his mission of advancing liberty, justice and equality through American culture. A gifted writer and a masterful storyteller, he created many of television's most iconic sitcoms: including from All in the Family to Sanford and Son, from Maude to The Jeffersons. Refusing to be satisfied with merely commercial success, he used his commanding platform and trademark wit to speak truth to power. His groundbreaking scripts and unforgettable characters breathed new life into essential discussions of racism, sexism, homophobia and more--sparking similar conversations in living rooms across the country. Our nation is grateful that, even at 100 years old, Norman continues to bless us with his sharp insights and creative brilliance today.
At the same time, Norman's impact was not simply confined to the writer's room. His unrelenting love of America is legendary, as demonstrated when he purchased an original copy of the Declaration of Independence and sent it around the country--so all of America, in its beautiful diversity, could bear witness to and celebrate our founding document.
Norman's deep patriotism has helped strengthen our Democracy. As the founder of People for the American Way, he has played a pivotal role in the defense of free speech, the right to vote and the guardrails between church and state. In doing so, he has pushed our nation to live up to our founding values of truth, freedom and justice--and advancing a future where all children can live free from barriers to achieving their fullest-potential.
Indeed, his cultural creations and determined activism have earned the admiration of many Members of Congress and countless Americans across the country. His outstanding career has paved the way for generations of artists to follow in his footsteps, continuing his legacy of pushing the boundaries of cultural conversations and fighting for progressive change.
On behalf of his many friends in Congress, we join in celebrating this momentous milestone in Norman's extraordinary life. We wish him, his dear wife Lyn, his beloved children Kate, Benjamin, Maggie, Brianna, Madeline and Ellen, and the entire Lear family all the best as they celebrate this joyous occasion.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 125(2)
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