[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 39 (Monday, April 7, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2792-S2793]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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             HAROLD E. STASSEN CELEBRATES HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

 Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to Harold 
Edward Stassen who will be celebrating his 90th birthday on April 13, 
1997. Harold Stassen has an outstanding record of public and military 
service to America. There is no question that his unique contributions 
have left a lasting impression on not only the history of his home 
State and his country, but at an international level as well.

[[Page S2793]]

  In 1938, at the age of 31, Harold Stassen was elected Governor of 
Minnesota and remained our Nation's youngest Governor until 1943. He 
then resigned to accept a commission in the U.S. Navy where he attained 
the rank of captain during World War II. He also won the Legion of 
Merit, three other decorations, and was awarded six major battle stars. 
Moreover, he was personally responsible for freeing thousands of 
American prisoners of war in Japan shortly before that country's 
surrender.
  Although Mr. Stassen also served as a key adviser in a variety of 
influential posts throughout the Eisenhower administration, he will be 
best remembered for his service under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. 
At the President's personal request, Harold Stassen served on the 
American delegation to the 1945 San Francisco Conference that founded 
the United Nations. Indeed, he is now the only living American who 
drafted, negotiated, and signed the original U.N. Charter. Moreover, 
Mr. Stassen has maintained a dedicated, passionate interest in the U.N. 
since its founding--educating the American public about the United 
Nations, and striving to make the organization more effective.
  Harold Stassen is celebrating his 90th birthday just 2 years after we 
celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. On April 13, 
numerous national and State officials, including former Vice President 
and United States Ambassador to Japan Walter Mondale, will come to St. 
Paul, MN, to honor Mr. Stassen.
  As Harold Stassen commemorates this significant milestone it is 
indeed an honor for me to join with his family, friends, and colleagues 
in conveying my warmest birthday wishes to this remarkable American and 
fellow Minnesotan who has such a proud and exceptional record of 
distinguished public service.

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