[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 62 (Tuesday, April 4, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S5097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       IN HONOR OF HOWELL HEFLIN

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise today to add my voice to those of my 
distinguished colleagues in the Senate to pay tribute to our colleague, 
Senator Howell Heflin of Alabama who announced his intention to retire 
from the Senate at the end of this Congress. I too will miss him, not 
only as a U.S. Senator, but as a very dear friend.
  The Senate will not be the same without Howell Heflin. He brought the 
highest dignity, integrity, and diligence to this body along with his 
unique sense of humor.
  Mr. President, he is a big man with a big heart; his life is marked 
with patriotism and service to mankind; clearly Howell Heflin has led 
an unselfish life dedicated to leading and helping people. He was twice 
wounded in World War II as a marine captain while leading his troops in 
battle on Guam. He was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star 
for bravery. As a young trial lawyer in Alabama, he was known as one of 
the best. His reputation as an excellent lawyer led to his eventual 
election as chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. It just made 
sense that the ``Judge'' would eventually become a member of this 
distinguished body.
  As a Member of the Senate, Howell Heflin brought great wisdom, and he 
used this wisdom for 13 years as a member of the Senate Ethics 
Committee and for two periods he served as its chairman. He has always 
fought for what was right for the country and for his constituents in 
Alabama. Mr. President, people may not agree with Howell Heflin's 
decisions all the time but they did respect them.
  Mr. President, I could speak at length about Howell Heflin's many 
accomplishments. But for myself, I will always cherish the close 
friendship we have enjoyed over the years.
  Mr. President, the Senate will never be the same without Howell 
Heflin. The people of Alabama and the people of this country have 
benefited from the service of the ``Judge,'' one of the most 
outstanding Members to have served in this body. I look forward to 
working with him in the remaining months of the 104th Congress. My wife 
Millie and I wish both his lovely wife ``Mike'' and Judge Howell all of 
God's blessings. Mahalo for being such a good and faithful servant. 
Well done, Judge.


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