Mr. BERRY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise here today to commemorate a remarkable man, Mr. Freddie Bryant, on ninety years of endurance, patience, and strength of character. His selfless acts have touched so many, especially his twelve children, who thrived under his guidance and cherish the wonderful memories of growing up in Freddie's home.

Freddie has been a hard worker his entire life. He took on family responsibilities at the age of seven when his father moved to Hughes, Arkansas, and continues to plant a garden and raise livestock to this day. Although he only has a seventh grade education, he has an equivalent of a Ph.D. degree in agriculture, teaching, leadership, business, counseling, and theology.

According to Freddie's family--he does it all. He continues to sow and reap his land where he built the house, barn, and pasture from trees he cut down himself. Freddie always has a way to make a situation work. He would walk for miles with his old horse Pearl and a cotton sack on his back to feed his twelve children. When his eldest child wanted to attend college, he took a job at the granary in Helena, Arkansas, until he could send every one of his kids to college. To this day, whenever he meets a stranger, he always says ``let me tell you about my children.''

His children remember his ambition and sacrifice with such admiration. They remember the smells of childhood that bring them back so fondly to the shack in Lexa, Arkansas. Many events happened in this home that helped them grow into notable members of society. Throughout it all, it was in the arms of a loving father that guided them in the right direction.

Freddie Bryant has been married to the former Josephine Dunlap of Lexa, Arkansas, for 67 years. Josephine is a valiant woman, whose determination to raise her family goes unmatched.