[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 55 (Thursday, May 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SALUTE TO AMBASSADOR ROBERT NESEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 1997

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Ambassador 
Robert Nesen for his numerous contributions to the State of California 
and his country.
  In 1942, Mr. Nesen was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, receiving his 
Navy wings in 1943. He was on active duty until 1946 and after spending 
22 years in the Naval Reserve, retired as lieutenant commander in 1967. 
In 1972, he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, 
the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Navy.
  In 1948, he began his own automobile dealership and continues to be 
active in that industry. He has served as director and past president 
of the Motor Car Dealers Association of southern California and in 1991 
was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame.
  Ambassador Nesen has been active in both local and national politics. 
In 1970, President Nixon appointed Mr. Nesen to the National Reserve 
Board, East-West Center and in 1972 he was appointed Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy. In 1981, President Reagan appointed Mr. Nesen 
Ambassador to Australia and Nauru. He remained in that position until 
his return to the United States in 1985.
  Throughout his distinguished career, Ambassador Nesen has earned the 
respect of many. He was named ``Patriotic Citizen of the Year,'' 
receiving the Patrick Henry Patriotism Medallion by the Military Order 
of World Wars. In 1991, he was given the Path to Dignity Award by the 
American Parkinson Disease Foundation. And, in 1994 he received the 
World Citizen Award from the World Affairs Council of Ventura County. 
The award was presented by Vice President Dan Quayle.
  Ambassador Nesen is a model for us all. His unwavering patriotism and 
dedication to duty are truly an inspiration. I am proud to pay tribute 
to him today.

                          ____________________