Kickoff planned for tribute to Norris, REA

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Inspired by a launching gift of $10,000 from the National Rural Electric Cooperation Association, the George W. Norris Foundation is moving forward with a nationwide campaign to raise funds for an REA Eternal Light Display in McCook, Nebraska.

The national effort will begin Monday in the Nebraska Capitol Rotunda when the Nebraska Legislature, the Norris Foundation and the Nebraska Rural Electric Association combine for a Norris Day Ceremony.

George Norris, former U.S. Senator from McCook Nebraska, was the creator of the Tennessee Valley Authority, paving the way for all public power systems. He was also the driving force for the creation of the Rural Electrification Administration and the father of the Nebraska one-house legislature. His contributions have had a positive impact on the entire nation. President Kennedy included Norris in his 1956 book "Profiles in Courage," concluding with, "Nothing could sway [George Norris] from what he thought was right, from his determination to help all the people, from his hope to save them from the twin tragedies of poverty and war."

The program will begin at 1:30 p.m. with the welcoming words of State Sen. Greg Adams, the Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature.

Following him to the podium will be Warren Jones, DDS, president of the Norris Institute, and Gene O. Morris, chairman of the George W. Norris Foundation. The men, both from McCook, will trace the evolution of the REA-Norris Eternal Light Display idea, dating from its origin in early 2012 to the national effort beginning this month.

Next up will be Randy Papenhausen, president of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, the first rural electrification organization to give support to the Eternal Light Display idea.

"The NREA's support gave us the faith to move forward," Morris said. "It is our belief that Rural Electrification, conceived with the support of U.S. Sen. George W. Norris of McCook, is among the greatest, if not the greatest, difference-maker in the history of American agriculture. Those of us around 'before the lights came on' know first-hand what life used to be like on the farm. Let me tell you, the change has been transforming for our nation."

Continuing the Norris Day program, the Government Relations Director of the Nebraska Rural Electric Association, Kristen Gottschalk, will recognize the gifts from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and MarySue Hormel Harris of Lincoln and her late husband, Bill Harris (1939-2011)

Then, to conclude the program, Morris will recognize Martin J. Janousek of the Leo A Daly Company. The Omaha-based company, which is worldwide in scope has agreed to design the REA-Norris Eternal Light Display on a pro bono basis. "This is a wonderful act of generosity," Morris said. "It is also a tremendous example of 'One Nebraska,' with a large Omaha-based company reaching out to a small, western Nebraska community for a project which will honor the overwhelming importance of electrifying the countryside."