[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1713]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       IN MEMORY OF DALE JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 10, 1997

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I recently learned of the untimely passing 
of Dale Johnson, a constituent of mine from East Schodack, NY, who was 
a distinguished member of his community.
  I knew Dale as the founder and chairman of the Second Amendment 
Research Group, a not-for-profit educational organization in New York 
State. This was a group that sought to educate itself and others about 
the right of citizens to bear arms. Dale also was the vice chairman of 
the Schodack Conservative Party; a life member of the National Rifle 
Association; treasurer of the Historical Society of Esquatack; a member 
of We The People, a New York organization dedicated to ensuring a fair 
and just State constitutional convention; and a strong supporter and 
promoter of women's involvement in hunting and shooting sports.
  Dale certainly made an impact upon his community. He was active in 
protecting and strengthening our constitutional rights. Dale also took 
part in preserving the historical treasures of our community. Anyone 
who knew him recognized that he stood up for and acted upon the issues 
and things he felt strongly about.
  Dale was a family man, a level-headed and rational human being, and 
intellectually honest in his pursuits. While he knew how to be a 
pragmatist, he never sacrificed his core beliefs and values. He will be 
remembered as a truly great American.
  I have attached the words which Dale drafted prior to his death that 
instructed his family on what to do in case he became incapacitated. I 
include this because his words say better than anyone can about the 
type of philosophy by which Dale lived his life. Maybe we can all learn 
something by taking a moment to read it.

              W. Dale Johnson, July 16, 1943-July 27, 1997

     At a certain moment a Doctor will determine my brain has 
         ceased to function and for all intent and purposes my 
         physical life has stopped.
     When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life 
         into my body by use of a machine, and don't call this my 
         ``deathbed.'' Call it my ``Bed of Life.'' Only my body 
         has ceased to be. My spirit and love go on. It is in the 
         hearts of all of you.
     If you must bury something bury my faults, my weaknesses, and 
         my human imperfections.
     My soul I leave to God, to you my survivors I leave, all the 
         lessons I have taught, my strength, my love, and my 
         memories. If you want to remember me, keep me in your 
         heart for that is where I truly live. Give to those that 
         need you and are weaker, and learn from my mistakes. 
         Never pass upon the opportunity to tell loved ones and 
         friends how proud you are of them and how much you love 
         them--always have a hand ready to extend for support and 
         a hug to reassure in times of trial. Stand up and act on 
         the things you feel most strongly about. Always remember 
         silence is the same as acceptance.
     When you bury my mortal remains, do not grieve, for I will 
         not be there. My soul will be on the wind, my laughter in 
         the sunshine, my warmth will be in the summer rain. Be 
         joyful for the time we had, rejoice in my freedom, I am 
         now free of the world's petty problems and I have fought 
         all my fights. I am free to soar with the eagles and 
         reach out and touch the face of God.

         

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