IV

107TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 34

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a commemorative postage stamp

should be issued in honor of Ava Gardner.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

FEBRUARY 14, 2001

Mr. ETHERIDGE submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was

referred to the Committee on Government Reform

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of the Congress that a commemorative

postage stamp should be issued in honor of Ava Gardner.

Whereas Ava Gardner’s movie career was recognized by the

film industry, as demonstrated by her receipt of a Golden

Globe nomination for ‘‘Best Actress in a Drama’’ for

‘‘Night of the Iguana’’ (released in 1964), an Academy

of Motion Pictures ‘‘Merit for Outstanding Achievement,

Best Actress’’ nomination for ‘‘Mogambo’’ (released in

1953), and the Look ‘‘Film Achievement’’ award for

‘‘The Hucksters’’ (released in 1947);

Whereas Ava Gardner personified and led the golden age of

Hollywood, when stories were of the heart and values dictated one’s performance, with roles such as Sarah in

‘‘The Bible . . . in the Beginning’’ (released in 1966),
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•HCON 34 IH

recognized as the Best Picture of the Month for the

Whole Family with the Box Office Blue-Ribbon Award;

Whereas Ava Gardner’s patriotism was unparalleled, and she

was recognized by the Armed Forces for her spirit of

public service and for her distinguished performance as

guest star of the Armed Forces radio network’s production of ‘‘Victorious Lady’’;

Whereas Time Magazine recognized Ava Gardner’s achievements in 1951 by dedicating its cover to her, the first female from North Carolina to appear there;

Whereas Ava Gardner resided in New York, California,

Spain, and England, and her work was world renowned,

taking her around the Nation and the globe;

Whereas although Ava Gardner rose to great heights from

humble beginnings, living the American Dream through

hard work and perseverance, she did not forget the needs

of ordinary people and worked tirelessly for cancer research funding;

Whereas Ava Gardner also did not forget the people of Johnston County, North Carolina, where she was born the

youngest of the five daughters and two sons of Jonas and

Mary Elizabeth Gardner, attended high school in the

Rock Ridge community, and attended college in then Atlantic Christian College (Barton College) in Wilson,

North Carolina;

Whereas citizens from every State in the United States and

people from around the world revere Ava Gardner’s work,

visiting the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield, North

Carolina, visiting numerous Internet sites related to her,

and enjoying her work in episodes of the hit television se-
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ries ‘‘Knots Landing’’ and her life story in biographical

television movies;

Whereas Ava Gardner’s works carry on, despite her death on

January 25, 1990; and

Whereas Ava Gardner was one of America’s most accomplished actresses in the 20th century, leading the Hollywood golden age, spreading the goodwill and patriotism

of the American people around the globe, and setting the

mark to be achieved in film, radio, and television for aspiring actresses and actors: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved, That it is the sense of the Congress that—

2 (1) a commemorative postage stamp should be

3 issued by the United States Postal Service in honor

4 of Ava Gardner; and

5 (2) the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee of

6 the United States Postal Service should recommend

7 to the Postmaster General that such a postage

8 stamp be issued.

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