Gov. Gregoire celebrates JP Patches Statue unveiling

August 17, 2008

*AS WRITTEN*

Good Afternoon, and thank you, Pat (Cashman.)

I am glad to be here. I have to say that I�m touched by this.

As a kid in Auburn, I was a real fan of JP and Gertrude. My husband, Mike, was a Patches Pal.

Now, more than 50-years later, here I am helping to make sure we never forget the happiness these two great entertainers brought to so many Washington kids.

JP and Gertrude -- (AKA Chris Wedes (WEE-Dis) and Bob Newman) � congratulations!

I�d also like to congratulate all the businesses and individuals who labored so hard to raise the money to make this statue a reality�

�Especially Bryan Johnson of KIRO and Stan McNaughton -- the CEO at PEMCO.

It just shows that with all the day-to-day challenges we Washingtonians face�

We can take the time to remember and honor and celebrate something as whimsical and magical as the J.P. Patches show.

With this statue, the magic will live on.

To all who had a part in this day � I thank you on behalf of all Washingtonians.