[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 20 (Thursday, February 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GORDON GRAVES

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                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life 
of Gordon Graves, who died on September 16, 1998 at the age of 80. 
Gordon Graves was a great man and true hero in his efforts to save the 
Kankakee River.
  Gordon Graves was born along the banks of the Kankakee River and thus 
knew and understood the river. He had been known to describe himself as 
a ``river rat'' and was a lifelong hunter, fisherman, and 
conservationist who spent most of his life protecting the Kankakee 
River. Gordon was one of the first voices of concern for the Kankakee 
River. According to Gordon, people took whatever they could get from 
the river, and the next day, they took it again. The problem is that 
they took more than the river had to give.
  At the age of 45, Gordon Graves retired early to work full time to 
protect the Kankakee River. He is one of the founding fathers of the 
Northern Illinois Angler's Association, and of the Alliance to Restore 
the Kankakee River. Throughout his life, Gordon Graves served on many 
Illinois State Conservation Advisory Boards and Commissions. The 
highest honor Gordon Graves received was the Pride of America Award, 
presented to him by President Ronald Reagan.
  Gordon Graves is survived by his wife, Marion Graves. As one 
newspaper article pointed out, Gordon Graves has passed on a legacy of 
spirit, of vision and of organization that will see his work continue.
  Gordon Graves' commitment and impact on his community is not only 
deserving of congressional recognition, but should serve as a model for 
others to follow.
  At a time when our nation's leaders are asking the people of this 
country to make serving their community a core value of citizenship, 
honoring Gordon Graves is very appropriate.
  I urge this body to identify and recognize others in their 
congressional districts whose actions have so greatly benefited and 
enlightened America's communities.

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