Conrad Black was born in Montreal on this date in 1944. While he would go on to a sometimes-controversial career in the business world, I want to recognize him on his 82nd birthday for his remarkable contributions as one of his generation's leading historians. His 1977 biography of Maurice Duplessis, published when Mr. Black was only 33, remains the most important study in English of the Quebec Premier. His studies of Franklin Roosevelt and Richard Nixon have also -- along with his Rise to Greatness: The History of Canada from the Vikings to the Present Day -- have been understanding works that will remain important for decades to come. He once came to Kingston at my request for a walking tour and enthralled his audience with his knowledge of Sir John A. Macdonald, Baldwin and Lafontaine, Sir Oliver Mowat and other giants of Canadian history. Mr. Black has also supported my work in many other important ways. So, it is a great personal and professional pleasure to send out birthday greetings to him today.