[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 40 (Thursday, April 14, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 14, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
   TRIBUTE TO JANE SCHULTZ, RECIPIENT, 1994 MOTHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to commend an 
outstanding individual, Mrs. Jane Schultz of Ridgefield, CT. For her 
unflagging commitment to ensuring the commemoration of her son, Thomas, 
and the other victims of Pan Am flight 103, Jane Schultz has received 
the 1994 National Outstanding Mother Award from the Father's Day and 
Mother's Day Council, Inc.--an honor which she truly deserves. All 
mothers, of course, devote themselves to their children. But what Jane 
has accomplished in memory of Thomas is truly extraordinary.
  On December 21, 1988, Pan Am flight 103 was destroyed by a terrorist 
bomb over Lockerbie, Scotland. In the aftermath of that tragedy, Jane 
devoted herself to honoring her son and the 269 other individuals who 
died on that flight, the result of a terrorist act against the United 
States. On the fifth anniversary of the bombing, a cairn of 270 
Scottish sandstones, a gift from the people of Scotland, was erected at 
Arlington National Cemetery. I was honored and touched to be in 
attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony, to hear Jane speak of her 
and her husband's loss, standing in front of the memorial site with 
President Clinton by her side.
  I have known Jane for 5 years--since the tragic explosion. I have 
been inspired by her dedication and that of the other families and 
friends of the victims of flight 103, in their efforts to effect change 
and to ensure that we never forget. That is why I felt so strongly 
about sponsoring the resolution that allowed the placement of the cairn 
in Arlington Cemetery. Jane was instrumental in this effort, which 
overcame considerable opposition.
  The cairn will serve as a meeting place, allowing the families and 
friends of the victims to truly grieve and to feel a sense of purpose 
and unity in their struggle to make this world a better place in the 
names of their sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, friends, and 
relatives.
  As the executive vice-president of the Victims of Pan Am Flight 103, 
Jane Schultz also led the struggle to ensure passage of the 1990 
Aviation Security Act, a measure designed to protect U.S. citizens from 
further terrorist attacks. She has worked tirelessly, not only to 
establish a permanent reminder of her son's passing, but also to 
present his death as a symbol of tragedy for the world. Thomas and the 
other passengers aboard flight 103 were innocent victims of ruthless 
terrorism.
  Jane Schultz has proven beyond a doubt that she is not only a 
wonderful mother, but a true humanitarian as well. I am proud of and 
humbled by Jane. Her dedication is an inspiration to us all.

                          ____________________