[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 64 (Friday, May 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 20, 1994

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my condolences on the death 
of an extraordinary American, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
  Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a special place in the hearts of Rhode 
Islanders. Her youthful summers in Newport, her joyous wedding at St. 
Mary's Church, all of these affiliations with Rhode Island gave us a 
particular pride. This pride grew with each passing year as we saw her 
claim an equally special place in the hearts of all the world.
  For those of us who grew up in the exciting days of the New Frontier, 
she will always be part of our consciousness. Along with President 
Kennedy, she brought a special energy and style to the national scene. 
In those heady days, with two youthful vigorous and accomplished 
residents of the White House, we felt that anything was possible.
  Jacqueline Kennedy brought to the White House a sophistication and 
charm that endeared her to everyday Americans and world leaders alike. 
President Kennedy remarked after his historic trip to France that he 
would be remembered simply as the man who brought Jackie Kennedy to 
Paris.
  She radiated a special beauty and serenity that captivated us all. I 
remember, as a young boy, watching her televised tour of the White 
House. I was enthralled with her evocation of our history. She conveyed 
not only the importance of the White House as a symbol of our political 
heritage and her commitment to recognizing American arts; she also made 
us feel at home in her home and the home of her family.
  When one stops and considers her life, we are struck with myriad 
images. I recall her interview with President Kennedy on Ed Morrow's 
``Person to Person.'' She was a young woman whose soft-spoken grace and 
obvious love for her husband provided a spark of magic in the otherwise 
dreary routine of politics. I recall the extraordinary evening in the 
White House when she hosted Robert Frost, Igor Stravinsky, and Pablo 
Casals. She and her husband made the arts and culture fashionable not 
just in the salons of the privileged but throughout the land.
  Sadly, it was the tragic death of President Kennedy that transformed 
her into a historic figure of courage and strength whose example calmed 
and reassured a grieving nation. No one can forget her quiet dignity as 
she endured the unendurable.
  Her life after the White House was full of accomplishment. She 
remained to her last day an image of grace and elegance. We mourn her 
passing and express our sincerest condolences to her family.

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