The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN HONOR OF TED BASSETT
______
HON. ANDY BARR
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, November 3, 2021
Mr. BARR. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a great Kentuckian, James E. ``Ted'' Bassett III. Mr. Bassett was born in Lexington, Kentucky on October 26, 1921, one hundred years ago. Mr. Bassett is universally well-respected and one of our finest citizens.
Ted Bassett graduated from Yale in the early 1940's. Soon after that, he was deployed to the South Pacific as a member of the United States Marine Corps. He served as an infantry officer in the 4th Marine Regiment, 6th Marine Division. Mr. Bassett led a rifle platoon during the Battle of Okinawa. He was twice wounded and received the Purple Heart and the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Bassett credits his service as a U.S. Marine with being the ``most meaningful phase'' of his life. He is the epitome of an American patriot. Humble in his valor, his love of our country is unmatched.
Following WWII, Mr. Bassett worked as a newsprint salesman in New York, a tobacco farmer in Kentucky, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, and director of the Kentucky State Police. In 1968, he became involved with Keeneland Association as an assistant to President Louis L. Haggin, II. He went on to become President, Chairman of the Board, Trustee, and Trustee Emeritus of Keeneland, where his tenure extends for 53 years. During his time at Keeneland, the track became one of the most prominent thoroughbred racetracks in North America. Keeneland's sales grew incredibly, and it became a major international auction house.
Mr. Bassett's leadership continued as President of the Breeder's Cup, the Thoroughbred Racing Association, and the Thoroughbred Club of America. He served as a member of The Jockey Club as well as a Trustee of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, the University of Kentucky Equine Research Foundation, and Transylvania University. Mr. Bassett is undoubtably one of the most respected figures in the thoroughbred industry. In 1996, he received an Eclipse Award of Merit for his contributions and in 2019 was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame.
Mr. Bassett is a generous philanthropist in the central Kentucky area. He has a true love of people and would be as comfortable talking with the President of the United States or the Queen of England as he is talking with the staff at Keeneland. Ted Bassett is an incredible patriot, a legend in the thoroughbred industry, a selfless individual, and a shining example to us all. I have been honored to know him all of my life and it is my honor to recognize this great American patriot before the United States Congress on his 100th birthday.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 193
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