Senator George McGovern from South Dakota has book signing at Mount Rushmore - August 24, 2011
Avon, South Dakota would certainly be on a country road. This small town in the southeastern part of the state was the birthplace of George McGovern. McGovern, who’s father was a Methodist minister, would follow the country roads all the way to Washington DC. He would serve as a representative January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1961 and senator January 3, 1963 – January 3, 1981. Senator McGovern was the 1972 presidential candidate on the Democrat ticket. Pretty fair accomplishments for a small town boy.
Age has diminished the senator’s stature somewhat. Age has a way of doing that, but even at 89 McGovern was clear and in control on this day at Mount Rushmore. You may not agree with the senator on everything but the road he has traveled, his accomplishments and heartbreaks, have defined the man who still brings a message.
A Country Road to Congress
Accomplishment and Heartbreak along the Way
South Dakota is spider web of country roads. Some would say that South Dakota has no other type of road as the state is nothing but rural. Even the larger cities (if you can call them cities) like Sioux Falls and Rapid City still have that small town feel.
Senator George McGovern - August 24, 2011
On August 24, 2011 Mr. McGovern was at Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota for a book signing. His latest is a biography of Abraham Lincoln that is part of the American Presidents Series. Other McGovern books, one title “Terry”, were available for sale and signing. Proceeds will go to nonprofit Terry McGovern Fund. Terry (Teresa Jane) McGovern suffered from alcoholism and depression and died of exposure in 1994 at age 45.
Same Home Town
Otto Bochman and Senator George McGovern shake hands at Mount Rushmore. The two share a home town, Avon, South Dakota.
Article, images and video contributed by Otto Bochman
