Kingsland ``Johnny Cash'' Post Office

Floor Speech

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Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on behalf of my bill, H.R. 7180, to designate the post office in Kingsland, Arkansas, in honor of legendary musician Johnny Cash.

Johnny Cash's music has touched the hearts of millions, transcending generations and genres. Many people know and are fans of Johnny Cash, but some do not know he was born in south Arkansas, a place that holds a significant part of his story.

The Country Music Hall of Famer, a true son of Arkansas, was born in Kingsland, Arkansas, on February 26, 1932. From these humble beginnings, he went on to work in cotton fields in northeast Arkansas, where he listened to local channels on his battery-operated radio and developed his great love for music.

His journey began with performing in high school assemblies and on KLCN, a local Arkansas classic radio station. Following 4 years in Germany with the U.S. Air Force, where he wrote his hit classics ``Folsom Prison Blues'' and ``Hey Porter,'' Johnny settled in Memphis to pursue his music career but never forgot where he came from.

Johnny Cash and the entire Cash family's roots in the Natural State run deep, so much so, the Arkansas delegation will be joined by members of the Cash family to unveil a statue of the music legend in the U.S. Capitol later this fall. The connection between the Cash family and Arkansas is so profound that Johnny and his wife, June; his son, John; and all his then-living siblings attended the Kingsland post office dedication in 1994.

With nearly 3,000 people in attendance, Johnny and his family performed the song ``Will the Circle Be Unbroken.'' Johnny closed by saying: ``This has probably been the best day of my life. I love you, and I love Kingsland.'' This incredible piece of history underscores the importance of honoring his connection to Arkansas.

Today, 30 years after that dedication, I ask my colleagues to join me in designating the Kingsland Johnny Cash Post Office to enshrine in law the legacy Johnny Cash left behind through service to his country, his iconic music, and the deep impact he and his family have had on the Natural State.

I thank Chairman Comer for helping advance this bill through committee, and I thank Kingsland Mayor Sharon Crosby, Cleveland County Judge Jimmy Cummings, and Arkansas State Senator Ben Gilmore for working with my office to properly highlight Johnny Cash's birthplace.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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