On his 64th birthday Thursday, Wrestling legend Dan Gable got a day to call his own. A reception was held at the National Wrestling Hall Of Fame Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, with Governor Terry Branstad proclaiming the day Dan Gable Day in Iowa.
Branstad said he had recently gave a proclamation recognizing this week as Character Counts Week and that Gable is an example of the six pillars of character. “Dan Gable lives the six pillars of character each and every day and he’s a great insportation to the youth o f our state,” Branstad said.
After reading the proclamation, Branstad said that he’ll ask the Legislature to make the special day permanent in the state, having done the same for Nobel Prize winner and Cresco native Norman Borlaug. He said Gable deserves the same honor and will ask the legislature to make October 25th permanently “Dan Gable Day” in Iowa.
Gable himself said he really didn’t want a birthday party for the event, but he’s still pleased with the special honor. “A birthday party isn’t quite it for me, my goals and vision are beyond a birthday party. Governor, now we’re talking,”Gable said.
Gable also talked about overcoming adversity and reflected on his recent appearance at the fundraiser for Cedar Falls sailor Taylor Morris. He says it was a big deal to talk at the event because Morris has represent what needs to be represented in people’s lives.
By Scott Fenzloff KCNZ Cedar Falls