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268 dreams and legaciesHank Adams personal collectionNo one inspired Billy like his father. For all of Billy’s achievements, the Nisquallyelder sees himself as merely an extension of Willie Frank Sr.fish and seafood are carted to server tables. Governors and membersof Congress mingle in the crowd, speak over microphones, and toastthe elder. Everybody tells Billy stories. Everybody laughs. The eventsgo on for hours.On his sixtieth birthday, in 1991, 350 people honored the elder,and a Department of Wildlife director brought a message from thenGovernor Booth Gardner proclaiming Billy Frank Day.When Billy turned seventy-five, Willie saw his father in a suit forthe very first time; it was gray and pin-striped. That year, in a sea ofIndian blankets and baskets, one guest surprised Billy with a couch.Heaps of presents had to be trucked away.On his eightieth birthday, Billy suggested that he was well stockedup on Indian blankets. But as the night wore on, there he stood onstage, proudly swathed in layers of blankets and wearing a broad grin.