Thomas Daschle: “today I would like to salute a great American and South Dakotan, Mr. Al Neuharth. As the founder of USA Today, former…”

“today I would like to salute a great American and South Dakotan, Mr. Al Neuharth. As the founder of USA Today, former chief executive officer of Gannett New Service, and founder of the Freedom Forum, he has made immeasurable contributions to our understanding of the world. Mr. Neuharth's commitment to free speech and the press began with a paper route in Eureka, SD, when he was 11 years old. Al continued to work in local media throughout his youth, later in the composing room at the weekly Alpena Journal in neighboring Alpena. Following his service in World War II, Al returned home to South Dakota, graduating from the University of South Dakota in 1950 with a degree in journalism. Upon graduation, Al Neuharth began what would be a historic career in print media. He began working for the Associated Press in Sioux Falls, SD, as a reporter and soon launched his first publication, a statewide weekly tabloid called SoDak Sports. While SoDak Sports would not prove to be his most successful venture, Mr. Neuharth pressed forward as a journalist. In 1954, he became a reporter at the Miami Herald, quickly ascending the ranks, and in 1960 he was named assistant executive editor of the Detroit Free Press. This remarkable success demonstrates that Al's talent for straight truth and love of communication was visible to all who worked with him.”