U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines last week recognized John Laird of Liberty County. John embodies the American dream and exhibits strong Montana values.
Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, each week Daines will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.
Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.
The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:
TRIBUTE TO JOHN LAIRD OF LIBERTY COUNTY
Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing John Laird of Liberty County. John embodies the American dream and exhibits strong Montana values.
In 1887, John’s ancestors came to America from Scotland looking for a better life. John’s ancestors homesteaded in the Sweet Grass Hills region that surrounds present day Chester, Montana. They built a large sheep farm and broke horses for the Canadian Guards. Farming is hard work, and not for the faint of heart, but John’s family persevered.
The land was passed down from generation to generation. John is a proud wheat farmer of those hills today, moving the same rocks his great, great grandfathers did. John and his wife, Rita, raised their three children, Cory, Heather and Mitchell, on this land. All three of their children attended Montana schools and universities and have gone on to start families of their own.
The Laird family story highlights the agricultural history of Montana, and the tenacity and legacy of those who immigrated to the United States seeking to create a better life. It is my honor to recognize John Laird as a successful farmer and father, and for leading a life that represents everything Montanans hold dear.