Dreier Statement on Passing of Johnny Grant

January 10, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Dreier (R-San Dimas, CA) issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Johnny Grant, the honorary mayor of Hollywood:

"Johnny Grant is best known for his tireless work on behalf of Hollywood and its greatest export - movie magic. But he was also a consummate patriot and someone who devoted years of his life to entertaining our troops all over the world. Johnny met Bob Hope during World War II, and from then on worked closely with him as a USO regular. From Korea, to Vietnam, to the Middle East, and most recently to Guantanamo Bay, Johnny Grant never stopped expressing his sincere admiration and appreciation to our troops. Hollywood will miss Johnny, and our troops will too. He was, above all, a great American."

NOTE: Congressman Dreier first met Johnny Grant when he was an usher at a 1972 political rally for President Richard Nixon. For many years, Mr. Grant served as Master of Ceremonies for Congressman Dreier’s regular campaign events in California.