Mr. Speaker, in one of life's unexplainable quirks of fate, as millions of people around the world opened their newspapers this weekend to read the last Peanuts comic strip, they heard of the death of Charles Schulz.
As a baby boomer, I do not recall a world without Charlie Brown, Lucy and Linus Van Pelt, Peppermint Patty, Snoopy and Woodstock.
For half a century, children and adults around the world have faithfully followed Charlie Brown's determined efforts to kick that football or fly that kite. We were enthralled by Snoopy's air battles with the Red Baron or his persistent efforts to steal Linus' security blanket.
While the world underwent great changes over the last 50 years, Charles Schulz was always there to bring a smile to our faces.
Today the world is a little sadder with the loss of Charles Schulz, but it will always be a better place because he has provided us with his enduring gifts of Charlie Brown, Snoopy and company.