[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 146 (Wednesday, October 14, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE LATE FRED SANDERS

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                          HON. JO ANN EMERSON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 14, 1998

  Mrs. EMERSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory 
of Mr. Fred Sanders. Fred was a small business owner in Leasburg, 
Missouri who, for ten years, ran a small campground and rented rafts 
and canoes to folks who wanted to enjoy warm-weather days floating down 
the serene Meramac River and to take in the beauty of the Onodaga State 
Park. Fred, however, was more than a successful entrepreneur. He was 
also a successful community leader.
  In 1991, a flood damaged a bridge in the Onodaga State Park, which 
enabled campers and ``floaters'' to make their way to Fred's campsite 
and canoe and raft rental outfit. In his quest to see the bridge 
rebuilt, Mr. Sanders met with some resistance. Fred made up his mind to 
try and rebuild the bridge himself. While his initial attempts were 
blocked, Fred persisted and after years of working with the county 
government, they agreed to replace the damaged bridge.
  Seven years after Fred began his crusade, the bridge in Onodaga State 
Park is now rebuilt. Unfortunately, Fred passed away on March 17, 
1998--several months before his long-fought-for bridge was finally 
completed. In honor of Fred's unwavering commitment to this bridge 
project, the new bridge in the Onodaga State Park was dedicated in his 
memory on October 10, 1998. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to 
Fred. He fought long and hard to get this bridge built, and he was 
instrumental in making a real difference in Crawford County, Missouri. 
I think we can all learn from Fred's exemplary perseverance and 
commitment to a local infrastructure improvement project that one 
person truly can make a difference in his or her community. I am proud 
to be able to honor the memory of Mr. Fred Sanders today here in the 
House of Representatives.

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