[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                       IN MEMORY OF PAUL MARUYAMA

                                 ______


                        HON. RICHARD A. GEPHARDT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 1995
  Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a man 
who was a true American--a man who truly believed in and lived the 
ideals of this country--his name was Paul Maruyama.
  He came to the United States from Japan in 1934 to complete his 
education. Shortly after the start of World War II he and his wife Mary 
were given 48 hours to sell their possessions and report for internment 
in a camp--they were both American citizens. During relocation after 
the war, Paul and his family settled in St. Louis.
  Paul spent the rest of his life in St. Louis working to make our 
community a better place to live. He became an importer of Japanese 
products and a consultant for Japanese and American companies who 
desired to do business in each other's country. He was given the title 
of ``Goodwill Ambassador'' for his work in promoting friendship and 
mutual understanding between Japan and his adopted country.
  The list of his civic accomplishments is too long to enumerate but 
include: the founding of the Japan-American Society of St. Louis, 
serving is the honorary Consul-General of Japan, establishing the St. 
Louis Chapter of the Japanese-American Citizens League, conducting 
citizenship classes for Japanese who wanted to become citizens, and the 
establishment of the Sister Cities Program between Suwa City, Japan and 
St. Louis.
  Paul's legacy is faith--faith in the values and ideals of this 
country. He never let his mistreatment during the war affect his 
attitude. He always believed this was the greatest nation in the world 
and loved and supported his adopted country every day. The St. Louis 
community has lost a good friend in Paul Maruyama--the United States of 
America has lost a true patriot.


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