120th Anniversary of Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Harley- Davidson's 120th anniversary. I am honored to recognize this iconic Wisconsin company and to commemorate this momentous milestone.

Though the style and swagger of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are now known across the entire world, the origin story of these bikes humbly began in a machine shop on Milwaukee's North Side in 1903. This was where two young best friends, William S. Harley and Arthur Davidson, first experimented with different prototypes for a motorized bicycle. While their first model struggled to scale the hills of Milwaukee's streets, Harley and Davidson understood the promise that their invention held. Less than a year later, an updated prototype placed fourth in a motorcycle race at State Fair Park.

As Harley-Davidson's business and production rapidly grew in the following years, so did its place in American history. In 1907, the company began selling its motorcycles to police departments, a tradition that remains to this day. In 1917, the U.S. military adopted Harley-Davidson motorcycles for military issue during the First World War, purchasing over 20,000 units for the war effort. Bolstered by the strong sense of resolve and innovation that we all associate with our legacy American manufacturers, the company was able to survive the Great Depression, leading to a historic partnership with the U.S. Army during the Second World War.

Today, Harley-Davidson remains one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and is famous for a loyal following that spans the far reaches of the globe. While Harley-Davidson holds onto its roots, it also looks to the future. The new Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle released in 2019 continues the company's commitment to style, craftsmanship, and an unparalleled riding experience.

Though everyone knows the look and sound of a Harley-Davidson bike when they see one, the company has expanded their business with merchandise that people from all backgrounds are desperate to get their hands on. There are now Harley-Davidson dealerships in nearly 100 countries, but the company has kept true to its roots with its headquarters located in Milwaukee. In 2008, the Harley-Davidson Museum opened to the public, allowing fans to experience more than 100 years of history up close. The museum remains a top tourist destination for Milwaukee, reinforcing the shared identity between a great American city and manufacturer.

What began as a motorcycle prototype stored in a Milwaukee family backyard has become an unparalleled vehicle for adventure across the open roads of the Earth. Yet beyond the roar of an engine or the classic look of a motorcycle, Harley-Davidson has come to symbolize the freedom we all know as Americans. On the 120th anniversary of this American icon, I am proud to recognize the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and look forward to many more years of success.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source