40th Anniversary of the Lawrence Anderson Pie Social

Floor Speech

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Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Lawrence Anderson Memorial Pie Social.

Named in honor of the event's founder, the Lawrence Anderson Memorial Pie Social serves as the unofficial kick-off for Laramie County and statewide candidates. The pie social is held biennially on the last Sunday in June in Pine Bluffs, WY.

The pie social started in 1984 when Lawrence recognized the need for community members to connect directly with those who seek to represent them. He developed this cornerstone event as a forum for fellowship with friends and neighbors. As the Pine Bluffs Post notes, folks from `` . . . Eastern Laramie County eagerly look forward to the premier social event of the campaign season.''

We all know the best way to celebrate our common goals is to share a meal. Lawrence took this principle to the next level, asking all who attend to bring a homemade pie. Lawrence was the kind of leader who used the lessons he learned growing up on his family's homestead to solve community issues. He was never afraid to do the work himself and was, as the Pine Bluffs Post notes, ``Known for years as one of the hardest workers in the Republican Party. Lawrence Anderson earned the nickname `Mayor of North Burns' which he held with pride.''

Lawrence, his late wife Joanne, and the entire Anderson family, leave a legacy of service to Eastern Laramie County. I served with Rodney Pete Anderson, when he represented Wyoming House District 10 in the legislature. Leonard Anderson, Lawrence's brother, served as the mayor of Pine Bluffs.

Although Lawrence left us in 2018, his quiet brand of leadership remains. We are all better for learning from his humble and patient spirit. He embodied the Wyoming Code of the West. From farming to serving on the boards for Community Action of Laramie County and Laramie County School District 2, Lawrence did what had to be done, was tough, but fair and always rode for the brand.

Lawrence leaves behind a large family. His children are Mark Anderson and wife Judy; Craig Anderson and wife Gail; and Sharon Anderson-- grandchildren are Jolie Sawyer; Kelly Janes and husband David; Brett Anderson and wife Lori; Ryan Anderson and wife Alli; Jeremy Anderson and wife Rachel; Robert Anderson; and Taya Anderson; along with numerous great-grandchildren.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of this iconic Wyoming event, I applaud the Laramie County community, this year's coordinator Mike Heath and the other leaders who have worked to continue this tradition. We are all fortunate to continue in the footsteps of Lawrence Anderson.

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