[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   A TRIBUTE TO MINNESOTA SENATE'S RALPH GRAHAM; A DEDICATED PUBLIC 
                                SERVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM RAMSTAD

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great 
Minnesotan who represented the very best in public service for more 
than three decades as Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms for the Minnesota 
Senate.
  Ralph Graham passed away January 28 and leaves a loyal legion of 
friends at the Capitol in St. Paul, friends and former State Senators 
like me, who benefited so greatly from his wit, wisdom and key 
assistance.
  Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected to the Minnesota Senate, Ralph 
Graham was one of the first people I met. His dedication to the 
Minnesota Senate and the law-making process was truly impressive. He 
quickly became a trusted friend and I was often blessed to be the 
recipient of his pragmatic, bipartisan insights on the important issues 
facing our state and the Legislature.
  He was very proud of his job, and that's why he excelled at it. He 
kept watch over the Senate like a father over a child, the pride 
evident in his face and every gesture. The commitment he brought to his 
job each and every day was inspiring.
  Mr. Speaker, Ralph's heart, energy and dedication made coming to the 
Senate a special pleasure. He guarded the Senate chamber's doors and 
decorum with a patient yet relentless zeal, plainly revealing a love 
for his job and deep respect for the integrity of the Minnesota Senate.
  Ralph's sense of history and duty to his state and country was most 
remarkable. His father, Charles, also worked at the Capitol. And for 
nearly 40 years, Ralph helped our nation's brave veterans by working as 
an X-ray technician at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center and, 
before that, as a messenger in the veterans hospital's administration 
department.
  Mr. Speaker, Ralph Graham's pride and performance set a tremendous 
example for generations of Senators and their staffs. His values, 
devotion to Senate traditions and the dignity he brought to the chamber 
will be sorely missed.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all the people of our great state and 
nation, I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to his family, and my 
thanks for all he did to make our democracy stronger in so many ways. 
The Minnesota Senate has lost a valued officer and treasured friend.

                          ____________________