[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1858]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         DEDICATION OF THE LAWRENCE H. COOKE COUNTY COURTHOUSE

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                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 1997

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, this month the people of Sullivan County, 
NY, bestowed a deserving honor on a revered man who has selflessly 
served all of our best interests throughout his life. In renaming the 
Sullivan County Courthouse after Judge Lawrence H. Cooke, the people of 
Sullivan County take pride in the accomplishments of its native son. 
Judge Cooke has nobly exemplified what being a public servant means.
  I had the privilege of attending this notable ceremony. Despite being 
a cold, blustery day, there was a genuine warmth that came from the 600 
audience members who participated in honoring their esteemed colleague, 
friend, and neighbor, including: Congressman Hinchey, State assemblyman 
Jake Gunther, Monticello mayor Jim Kenny, Sullivan County legislators 
Robert Kunis and Rodney Gaebel, Albany Law School professor Vincent 
Bonaventure, Sullivan County historian Joan Conway, and the Reverends 
Robert H. Pinto and Robert Ginel. Among the distinguished members of 
the judiciary who were present included: New York State Court of 
Appeals Chief Justice Honorable Judith Kaye, Supreme Court Judges 
William Richardson (Hawaii) and Anthony Kane (Sullivan County).
  The generous ovations bestowed upon Judge Cooke, truly symbolized how 
important, valued, and beloved a public figure he has become over the 
years.
  In meritoriously serving the people of Sullivan County and New York 
State, Judge Cooke built a legacy of compassion and concern. The extent 
of his outstanding judicial career is a tribute in itself to Judge 
Cooke's outstanding legal, philosophical, and ethical character. 
Starting his public career as a town supervisor, Judge Cooke was 
subsequently elected to the county court and thereafter was elected to 
the Supreme Court, and the appellate division, and finally was selected 
chief judge of the Court of Appeals of New York State--the highest 
judicial position in New York State. Judge Cooke duly deserves the 
honors and accolades given by the people of his beloved Sullivan 
County.
  Andrew Jackson said in 1796: ``I am of the opinion that a good 
judiciary lends much to the dignity of a state and the happiness of the 
people.'' Two centuries later, Judge Lawrence H. Cooke personifies what 
Andrew Jackson proclaimed.
  I am honored to have known and worked with Judge Cooke and I was 
pleased to have joined in with the people of Sullivan County and from 
throughout the State in celebrating the career of this great public 
servant.
  As Judge Cooke stated: ``While the name of the courthouse has changed 
its title, its purpose in serving the people remains the same.'' It is 
a place of justice, and, as Daniel Webster proclaimed, justice ``is the 
ligament which holds civilized beings and civilized nations together.''
  I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Judge Lawrence H. Cooke, 
and in wishing him and his wife, Alice Cooke, good health and happiness 
in retirement.




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