[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 182 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2196-E2197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF JOHN TURNER, CHAIR, AMERICAN COUNCIL OF LIFE INSURERS

                                 ______


                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 1995

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the efforts of an 
outstanding Minnesotan, John Turner, chief executive of Reliastar 
Financial and the new chair of the American Council of Life Insurers 
[ACLI].
  In his role as chair of the ACLI, John Turner will continue to work 
to improve the image of the life insurance industry by encouraging the 
Nation's life insurers to adopt a code of ethical market conduct.
  By imposing strict standards on itself, in addition to those State 
insurance regulators used to police the industry, life insurers will 
take strides in improving their standing with the public and their 
customers.
  While scandals have damaged the reputation of some life insurance 
companies and agents in recent years, with John Turner at the helm, 
Reliastar's image has remained unblemished. In addition, Turner helped 
the company through some tough financial times in the early 1990's, and 
its financial position is solid.
  I wish John Turner the best as he works with life insurers across the 
country in the coming months, urging them to embrace higher standards 
and increased accountability.
  If his track record is any indication, John Turner's latest endeavor 
is sure to be a resounding success.

[[Page E 2197]]


          A TRIBUTE TO LILLIAN LEWIS, AN EXCEPTIONAL LYRICIST

                                 ______


                            HON. TOM LANTOS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 1995

  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating and thanking Lillian Lewis for writing the beautiful 
lyrics to a song dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg, the meaning of which 
touched hundreds of people at the very core of their being. Her words 
truly capture the spiritual essence of Raoul Wallenberg's heroic 
mission.
  The song is called ``Wallenberg,'' and was composed by Henry and 
Bobbie Shaffner in tribute to Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat 
credited with saving 100,000 Jewish lives in Budapest in 1944. Issuing 
false passports, hiding people in a multitude of safe houses, and using 
raw courage and bravado, Wallenberg repeatedly deceived the Nazis and 
saved lives. Aware of the enormous significance of Wallenberg's deeds, 
the Shaffners sought unsuccessfully for years for a worthy lyricist.
  While attending a meeting of the American Society of Composers, 
Authors and Publishers, Lillian Lewis, a published lyricist with a 
major hit by Lou Rawls, was approached by the Shaffners. They spent the 
evening together, rode home together, and in the end the Shaffners 
asked Ms. Lewis to write the lyrics to their song.
  This request triggered a need in Lillian Lewis to know more about 
Raoul Wallenberg. She read about him avidly, recognized the exceptional 
courage and noble qualities that define him, and turned her assignment 
into a mission of love.
  Ms. Lewis was inspired to write the beautiful words that follow 
herein. The song and her lyrics were performed by the U.S. Army Band, 
Sfc. Beverly Benda, Soprano, and S. Sgt. Mary Beth Mailand, Harp, at 
the dedication of the bust of Raoul Wallenberg in the U.S. Capitol on 
November 2, 1995.

                               Wallenberg

     Wallenberg, Wallenberg
     You're a man of special courage
     You risked everything for what you knew was right

     Wallenberg, Now the world
     Knows the evils you have vanquished
     While protecting those who had no way to fight

     You came to save the children first
     It was as if you knew
     That future generations would be living because of you

     Wallenberg, You deserve
     All the glory due a hero
     Your selfless acts are part of history

     In countless ways
     You've won our praise
     Forever,
     Wallenberg

     

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