Prepared Remarks of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Unveiling of the Dr. Norman Borlaug Statue
U.S. Capitol, Statuary Hall
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
There are very few people of such stature who could warrant two ceremonies in their honor in the United States Capitol. Just a few years ago we were presenting Dr. Borlaug with the Congressional Gold Medal. Now, our home state has decided to honor this remarkable man with one of its two statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
Dr. Borlaug may not be a name known at every kitchen table. But, this man is one of the greatest humanitarians who has ever lived. He dedicated his life to the development of scientific breakthroughs. This was all in an effort to ease malnutrition and famine around the world.
Dr. Borlaug grew up on a family farm in northeast Iowa. His education came in a one-room schoolhouse of immigrant children like himself. It was there where he and his schoolmates learned the common threads between them. And, working together to provide food for their families was more important than any differences that might divide them.
This lesson would guide Dr. Borlaug for years to come.
Dr. Borlaug combined a brilliant vision, hard work, common sense and commitment. He spared more people around the world from sharp hunger pains than any one of us could ever dream of doing.
And, it all started in a small, Iowa farmhouse.
As a farmer myself, I’ve seen first-hand how Dr. Borlaug’s innovation transformed agriculture. Remarkably, it’s not only impacted developing countries, but his stamp can also be seen in developed countries.
Now, his legacy and pioneering work will be on display to educate and inspire the millions who visit the United States Capitol. Dr. Borlaug will continue to inspire generations of scientists and farmers to innovate and lift those mired in poverty.
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