Last night a group of us had the pleasure of witnessing a historic moment at an event celebrating 50 years of Orion Samuelson on WGN Radio. The audience included dignitaries from WGN Radio, Mr. Samuelson's family, and associates who worked with the radio legend throughout his career. We were there along with our friends and client, Dairyland Seed, which sponsored the event.
Orion received congratulations, via video, from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack. His long-time radio colleague Max Armstrong talked about that booming voice, a voice that has been the voice of agriculture for more than 50 years. Radio host John Williams sat down with Orion for a "fireside chat" that spanned Orion's childhood years from a dairy farm in Wisconsin's Kickapoo Valley, to his days on the radio in Green Bay and his first day at WGN on September 26, 1960.
He spoke of visiting with then Senator John F. Kennedy, and three years later having to tell his audience of that tragic day on November 22, 1963. He talked about how he, save for his physician's advice to the contrary, almost ran against Barack Obama in the Illinois Senate race. He spoke highly of his parents and family, and glowingly of his wife, children and grandchildren.
What is certain is that Orion Samuelson is, and has been, agriculture's largest voice. And he's equally as great a man.
Congratulations, Orion. Here's to another 50.
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