With over a hundred individuals present, U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) honored Byron Nelson by awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Peggy Nelson on behalf of her dearly departed Byron.

The event was held in the United States Capitol in the Sam Rayburn Room. Flanked by Rep. Burgess, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Minority Leader John Boehner, Senator John Cornyn and Nelson family friend and Salesmanship Club of Dallas member Jon Bradley, Mrs. Nelson was full of humility, grace and humor as she gratefully accepted this honor for her husband.

The formal program began with the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass Quintet and the North Richland Hills Church of Christ Quartet, Byron and Peggy’s home church, singing the National Anthem. With additional praise and worship were individuals from EDS, the sponsors of the Byron Nelson Championship which has raised over $100,000 for underprivileged children for the Salesmanship Club of Dallas, and the PGA TOUR.

While each presented gave memories and tributes to Byron Nelson, words of such as “gentleman, compassionate, loving, giving, educating” were used to describe the life and very being of Byron Nelson.

Congressman Michael Burgess commented, “He was a philanthropist first and foremost.

He devoted his life to the Lord, to his family and to helping others. Byron Nelson’s life is a model for a life well-lived.”

On Thursday, Peggy Nelson and her family were welcomes to the White House to formerly meet with President George W. Bush.

Since the American Revolution, Congress has taken part in a time honored tradition and has commissioned gold medals as the highest expression of national appreciation. Each medal represents and honors distinguished achievements and contributions to our country.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4902, the bill to award Byron Nelson with a Congressional Gold Medal on May 10, 2006. The U.S. Senate passed the companion bill on September 27, 2006. President George W. Bush signed the bill into law awarding Byron Nelson the Congressional Gold Medal (P.L. 109-357).