[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
             TRIBUTE TO JACQUELINE BOUVIER KENNEDY ONASSIS

  Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, on Thursday, May 20, in the year of 
1994, a woman who had influenced the style of the country, given 
comfort to our people, and always demonstrated dignity and grace, 
passed away. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was a woman who touched 
many people--Senators and citizens, executives and blue collar workers, 
Americans and people throughout the world. In the words of one woman, 
Kristin Cabral, who paid her respects during the calvacade along 
Washington's streets, ``[Jackie] was not just some plastic icon, but a 
very strong person and woman. I very much believed in her.''
  I, too, very much believed in her and that which she accomplished. As 
the First Lady, Jackie worked hard to create a cultural atmosphere in 
the White House and the capital by promoting the arts. Through these 
efforts, she brought an appreciation for the arts to the United States 
as a whole. Later, as an editor, she continued this work, bringing many 
wonderful books to the printing press and to the public.
  Dealing with pain and tragedy is a most difficult experience, and it 
becomes almost unbearable when it occurs in the public eye. Jackie's 
courage during those horrible days after November 22, 1963, gave the 
country strength. Instead of giving comfort to her, we drew courage 
from her. At that time, I was a businessman in New Jersey, active in 
civic affairs, but not yet involved in the political world in which 
Jackie found herself. I felt the enormous blow that struck the whole 
country, and also took comfort from Jackie's stoic countenance and 
composure.
  My father was a cancer victim, as was Jackie. I knew something of the 
pain she must have felt. But even in her last hours, she was a figure 
of grace and courage. She chose to spend those final moments enjoying 
the company of her loved ones. As a fellow Martha's Vineyard 
vacationer, I often witnessed Jackie's complete devotion to her 
children and family. I know that her children, John and Caroline, will 
always remember the graceful, loving, and dedicated woman that all 
Americans have come to admire and love from afar.
  Indeed, the memory of this strong woman will live on in the minds of 
all the people she touched. The indelible mark that she left upon the 
American people, and people throughout the world will only be deepened 
by her passing. Our memories of her will burn as bright, and as long, 
as the eternal flame which marks the grave of President Kennedy, next 
to whom she now rests in peace.

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