[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JOHN B. PERERA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of John B. 
Perera, for his dedication to worthy causes, his numerous years of 
service, and for his devotion to the continuance of humanity.
  Born in New York City, Mr. Perera, because of his staunch Quaker 
faith, executed his military duties in the Korean War by doing social 
work in Mexico and El Salvador for the government. He studied at Ohio 
State University and held many jobs before finally arriving in 
Cleveland to work as a truck driver for a food cooperative. 
Unfortunately during his tenure as a truck driver, Mr. Perera acquired 
a respiratory illness that led to his retirement on disability.
  Mr. Perera's retirement can be seen as a blessing though. Mr. Perera 
took advantage of his retirement to pursue causes relevant to the 
survival of the human race and the advancement of human rights. He 
served on numerous councils and committees, most notably the Sierra 
Club, Coalition for a Clean Environment, and the American Lung 
Association. Mr. Perera testified in front of state committees to stop 
the dumping of nuclear waste, championed the issues of improving low-
income housing and women's rights, and demonstrated for causes he 
strongly believed in such as the environment and health care.
  Mr. Perera's activism portrays him as a model American citizen. His 
peaceful demonstrations in support of his most cherished values and 
issues will never be forgotten. He leaves behind two sons, one 
daughter, his father, four grandchildren, a brother, three sisters, and 
a legacy of true patriotism.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in saluting the life of Mr. John 
B. Perera.

                          ____________________