[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 9, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9026]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO HONOR PETER WOLF TOTH

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
honor Peter Wolf Toth who has completed a project to present each State 
with a handmade wooden totem pole that incorporates local and 
historical figures from all across the Nation. I commend his 
outstanding gift to our Nation.
  Peter came to the United States through extraordinary circumstances. 
He escaped with his mother from the Soviet takeover in Russian-occupied 
Hungary. Traveling through Budapest, Yugoslavia, and Austria, Peter 
eventually settled in Akron, OH. His interests led him to educate 
himself in American history, specifically with a focus on native 
American lore, tribal cultures, and contributions to our lifestyle 
today.
  Peter recently completed a project where he carved out enormous totem 
poles by hand and presented one to each of the fifty States to show his 
gratitude to our country.
  His totem pole to New Hampshire was presented in 1984 and it stands 
in Opechee Park in Laconia, NH. The dedication ceremony that September 
drew a crowd of over 3,000 people.
  Peter's immigration into this country, as well as his hard work, 
should stand as an example for all Americans. It is no doubt that he is 
worthy of great recognition and praise for his devotion to the United 
States.
  Mr. President, I want to pay great homage to Peter Wolf Toth for his 
outstanding commitment to the United States. We are indebted to his 
amazing gifts and talents that he chose to share with all of 
us.

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