[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 26 (Thursday, March 10, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 10, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO ROY KEPLER

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 10, 1994

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise before the House of Representatives to 
commemorate the life of Roy Kepler, a gentle and accomplished man who 
lived on the frontlines of the nonviolent movement in California during 
the 1960's.
  When one walks down the streets of Menlo Park in California's 14th 
Congressional District, everyone knows the name Kepler.
  Inspired by the idea that information is the conduit of political 
change, Roy moved to Menlo Park 30 years ago and set up a small 
newsstand called Kepler's Books and Magazines. Kepler went to great 
lengths to make his bookstore a primary meeting place for activist 
movements of the sixties and seventies.
  Roy opened his doors to young people, people of color, and young men 
escaping draft boards, and dedicated himself to their financial well-
being by hiring them to do odd jobs. He was a warrior for peace, best 
exemplified by his opposition to America's involvement in Vietnam and 
his vision for change in America.
  Although Roy was motivated by his own personal ideas, he did not 
impose his beliefs on the patrons of his bookstore. He saw his store as 
a resource where he could provide the community access to volumes of 
information on vast arrays of subjects.
  The legacy of Roy Kepler lives on today. Young people still 
congregate at Kepler's to browse the stacks of books and papers and 
discuss politics. Kepler's remains a central meeting place where 
America's future can be discussed with an open heart and an open mind.
  Roy Kepler's life and how he chose to live it is an eloquent 
statement about the community I am privileged to represent. We miss you 
Roy, and always will.

                          ____________________