[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO LOU STOKES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. THOMAS C. SAWYER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. SAWYER. Mr. Speaker, I am here today to share the feelings of Lou 
Stokes' staff as they celebrate his legacy.
  Much has been said on this floor about Lou's great accomplishments in 
this body, but I can think of no greater tribute than that the members 
of his staff--who have worked late into the night and early into the 
morning alongside their boss--would want to pay tribute to him in the 
record.
  Lou has put in countless hours both in Cleveland and in Washington 
over the past 30 years, and his staff has been there with him, working 
to address the issues most important to him and to his constituents. 
His staff members have worked in Washington for legal aid, for 
improvement of public housing, for increased opportunities for the 
poor. They have worked in the district to address the needs of his 
constituents. They have all made it their goal to fight alongside Lou 
for the residents of his congressional district and for all Americans.
  So, Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege today to place a 
tribute to the Honorable Lou Stokes into the Congressional Record on 
behalf of his loyal and dedicated staff.

                           Staff Pays Tribute

       Mr. Speaker, this great body has known giants. The halls of 
     this chamber have resounded to the words of great men and 
     women.
       Mr. Speaker, we have been most fortunate to serve one such 
     exceptional gentleman of the House: the gentleman from Ohio, 
     Dean of the Ohio Delegation, the Honorable Louis Stokes. We 
     ride his shoulders and see his vision. Nothing has escaped 
     his penetrating discovery in 30 years.
       He put some of us in the field to walk amongst the people 
     and respond to their problems. He gave some of us the task of 
     finding legislative solutions. All of us, at one time or 
     another, knew the anguish of a constituent in pain and all of 
     us, fortunately, on numerous occasions, celebrated the 
     victories of their success. The word ``failure'' is not in 
     Lou Stokes' vocabulary; the act of failing is unfathomable. 
     No challenge has been too big. No person is too small.
       Lou Stokes has been a stalwart defender of the Constitution 
     and has spent his adult life fighting for the right of all 
     people to live in dignity and in peace.
       He has gone from dawn to dawn, all in a day's work. His 
     staff are in amazement as his energy continues.
       We have learned much from this man of humble beginnings. 
     One can never give too much of one's time, compassion or 
     energy to help one's fellow man. In fact, we must always go 
     the ``extra mile'' and make sure we have done all that could 
     be done to help someone in need.
       Lou Stokes emanates pride in his roots and respect for all 
     people. He fights for his principles and has taught us to be 
     unwavering advocates.
       The system may frustrate him, but never thwart him. For Lou 
     Stokes knows how to make change happen from within. He is 
     tough, with a gentle heart. A task master who expects nothing 
     more from others than he would give of himself, Lou Stokes 
     reaches high, very high. In so doing, he makes all of us 
     taller.
       We have served Lou Stokes from varying lengths of time. We 
     are the Stokes Team, a family. Mr. Speaker, ladies and 
     gentlemen of the House, you are paying tribute to one of your 
     favorite sons. As he has left an indelible mark on this 
     institution, so has he left something with all of his staff. 
     He has left us a challenge: always take the time to care, to 
     take responsibility, to be involved, to reach back and reach 
     out. Make today count so that tomorrow will be a better day 
     for someone.
       Mr. Speaker, we have been privileged to share this 
     gentleman's vision. Thank you for this opportunity to pay 
     tribute to a very special boss.
       The Stokes legacy will continue as long as good prevails.

       

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