[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 40 (Tuesday, April 8, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E599]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MARJORY STONEMAN DOUGLAS

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                           HON. PETER DEUTSCH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 8, 1997

  Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the contributions of 
Marjory Stoneman Douglas--an American hero who turned 107 years old 
yesterday. Mrs. Douglas is one of the mightiest protagonists of the 
Florida Everglades who led the first efforts to raise public awareness 
of Florida's River of Grass.
  In 1947, Mrs. Douglas wrote her landmark book on Florida's largest 
wetlands ecosystem ``The Everglades: River of Grass.'' This pioneering 
work was the first to highlight the plight of the everglades and 
ultimately served to awaken public interest in restoring its health. 
Still going strong in her 107th year, Mrs. Douglas has dedicated her 
life to the defense of the Everglades through her extraordinary 
personal effort and by inspiring countless others to take action. 
Recognizing these accomplishments, President Clinton awarded her the 
Medal of Freedom in 1994, the Nation's highest civilian award.
  Mr. Speaker, I have introduced legislation which honors Mrs. Douglas' 
legacy by creating the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness in 
Everglades National Park. The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness will 
serve as a permanent and natural monument to the American hero who 
helped save North America's greatest wetland ecosystem. This year, as 
we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the park and the first 
publishing of ``The Everglades: River of Grass,'' I believe it is 
fitting that we permanently honor Mrs. Douglas' legacy through this 
legislation.

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