News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

October 6, 2005

                                       Contact: Joanne Peters
                                       Phone: (202) 225-4531

House Passes Etheridge Legislation Honoring Ava Gardner

WASHINGTON - The U.S. House of Representatives today unanimously approved Rep. Bob Etheridge's (D-Lillington) legislation to name the Smithfield Post Office the "Ava Gardner Post Office," in honor of a Johnston County native and one of the world's all-time great actresses. The legislation now moves to the Senate.

"Today the House honored a great North Carolinian and an inspiration to all Americans," said Etheridge. "Ava Gardner came from humble beginnings and went on to live the American dream, gracing the silver screen and touching lives all around the world. She embodies the values of hard work and patriotism that North Carolinians hold dear. With all of her accomplishments and her record of public service, it is fitting that this great actress and Johnston County's favorite daughter should be recognized. I hope that the Senate will move quickly to pass this legislation."

Etheridge introduced the legislation after Smithfield Mayor Bill Jordan and the Smithfield Town Council sent him a letter urging him to do so. The legislation is cosponsored by all North Carolina members of the U.S. House of Representatives. It must be passed by the Senate to become law.

Ava Gardner was born in Johnston County, the youngest of seven children. In the summer of 1941, the Smithfield Herald told the story of Ava Gardner's trip across country to Hollywood. During her career she starred in 64 films and was the first woman from North Carolina to grace the cover of Time magazine. Ava Gardner was one of America's most accomplished actresses in the 20th century. She led the Hollywood golden age and shared the stage with such notable actors as Clark Gable, Burt Lancaster and Grace Kelly. In addition to her success on the silver screen, Ava Gardner was a leader in the fight against cancer and worked tirelessly for research funding. She served as a goodwill ambassador to people around the globe and was recognized by the U.S. Armed Forces for her public service. She died on January 25, 1990.

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