HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 58
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegates Martin, Proudfoot,
on behalf of all members of the House of Delegates)


Honoring the memory of Jennings Randolph.
Whereas, Jennings Randolph was born in Salem, West Virginia, on March 8, 1902, attended public schools in Harrison County, graduated from Salem Academy in 1920 and Salem College in 1924, married Mary Katherine Babb in 1933 with whom he had two sons, Jennings Jr. "Jay" and Frank, and made his family's home in Elkins, West Virginia; and
Whereas, Jennings Randolph served in professional capacities throughout various times in his career as a newspaperman, magazine editor, college professor, university dean, airline executive, transportation officer, and director of numerous organizations for education, business, civic and service programs; and
Whereas, Jennings Randolph was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1932, a body in which he served for fourteen consecutive years; and
Whereas, Jennings Randolph was first elected to the United States Senate in 1958, a body in which he served until his retirement from the Congress in January, 1985; and
Whereas, Jennings Randolph died on May 8th, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 96; and
Whereas, Jennings Randolph's numerous accomplishments during his lengthy and distinguished tenure in the United States Congress include: builder of the New Deal, father of the 26th Amendment to the Constitution giving 18-year-olds the right to vote, leader in aeronautics authoring legislation that created the National Air and Space Museum on the Mall in Washington, D.C., advocate for the environment, aid to victims of black lung and disabilities, pioneer of the Appalachian Regional Commission; fighter for human and civil rights, founder of the National Peace Academy and leader in the development of our national infrastructure; and
Whereas, Among all his achievements, Jennings Randolph is best known for and universally regarded as the father of the modern Interstate Highway System in the United States; and
Whereas, For nearly three-fourths of our existence as a state, West Virginia was blessed with the talent, intellect, enthusiasm, compassion and dedication of Jennings Randolph, native son of these mountains who rose to national prominence while constantly striving to better the lives of his fellow West Virginians; and
Whereas, Each and every citizen of West Virginia, whether knowingly or not, has benefited from the efforts put forth by Jennings Randolph, whose accomplishments improved the lives of millions of Americans; and
Whereas, As we come to the end of the 20th century and as West Virginia comes to the end of its 136th year of statehood, it is fitting and proper that today, on the anniversary of his birth, the West Virginia Legislature, on behalf of every citizen of this state, honors and celebrates the life of one of the greatest men of our century, Jennings Randolph; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That a moment of silence be offered in this State Capitol as an expression of our utmost regard for a man of charming grace, dedication, honor and unequaled accomplishment as we remember the life of this most honored West Virginian, Jennings Randolph; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the members of West Virginia's congressional delegation, to the President of Salem-Teikyo University, and to the sons of Jennings Randolph.