[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 8, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S4874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   RON BROWN'S SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY

 Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I wish to reflect briefly on 
the loss of life and tremendous talent our Nation suffered when, only 
days before Easter Sunday, 33 Americans--leaders in business and 
Government--perished in a storm off the coast of Croatia.
  Each of these individuals was strongly committed to the idea that 
economic renewal is critical to achieving peace in that desperately 
war-torn land. Compassion for others in need drew all of them on their 
mission to the Balkans in an effort to help heal that desperate corner 
of the globe.
  I particularly want to remember U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown. 
Charismatic and energetic, he inevitably devoted himself to the task at 
hand with all his heart and mind. His enthusiasm for public service was 
only equaled by an amazing ability to attain his goals. He lived the 
American success story by proving that everyone, through hard work and 
determination can achieve their heart's desire.
  Ron Brown's immense personal popularity made his untimely death all 
the more sorrowful.
  Born in Washington, DC, but raised in New York's Harlem, Secretary 
Brown attended Middlebury College in Vermont where he was the only 
black student in his class. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army 
and, serving as an officer, proudly represented his country abroad.
  Following his military career he worked as a welfare caseworker in 
New York City while attending law school at night. An individual of 
enormous charm and wit, Ron Brown became the first African-American 
leader of a major political party in the United States. Regarding this 
historical achievement he stated, ``I did not run on the basis of race, 
but I will not run away from it. I am proud of who I am.''
  President Clinton named Ron Brown to serve as U.S. Secretary of 
Commerce, the first African-American to occupy that post. He performed 
its duties with wisdom, dedication, and conscientious attention to 
detail. Secretary Brown more than anyone else in Government, gave 
business a seat at the diplomatic table. Because of his friendship with 
and access to the President, the State Department was on constant 
notice that if our economic efforts overseas were not represented, Ron 
Brown stood ready to serve as their advocate.
  Representing the United States around the world, he was America's 
premier salesman for what we have to offer--equality, opportunity, and 
abundance.
  This April, bravely undertaking a mission into what had recently been 
a war zone and still was a potentially hostile region, Ron Brown proved 
to the world what those who knew him always took for granted: that he 
cared less for his personal safety than for the good of the people who 
live there.
  In his own wonderful way, Ron Brown served as a peacekeeper. Working 
to establish international trade and business in the region, he offered 
its people the opportunity to rebuild a civil society.
  Yes, the United States lost 33 lives, 33 talented individuals, each 
with an unlimited potential to achieve.
  But we as a nation have also gained 33 luminous examples of ultimate 
dedication and compassion. These bright stars of self-sacrifice form an 
American constellation which can, if we let it, guide us forward with 
generosity and courage toward a better tomorrow for ourselves and all 
of our neighbors.

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