Happy birthday, Mr. Environment

Gaylord A. Nelson

One of the nation's living treasures, Gaylord A. Nelson, is 89 years old today.

Wisconsin governor and U.S. Senator. Protector of the Apostle Islands and St. Croix River. The genius behind Wisconsin's Stewardship program. Father of Earth Day. A principled progressive who fought for civil rights, enlisted in the War on Poverty, and stood up to Joe McCarthy, the House Un-American Activities Committee and the Nixon White House to defend our civil liberties. An earlier and outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War.

Recipient of the Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian award, and honored with a place on the Richard Nixon Enemies List. A remarkable, genuine, caring human being.

Happy birthday, Gaylord.