[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1306-E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THOMAS J. D'ALESANDRO III, ESQ.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas J. D'Alesandro, 
III who was recently awarded the distinguished President's Medal by his 
alma mater, Loyola College of Baltimore, at Loyola's commencement 
ceremonies on May 18, 1999.
  Thomas D'Alesandro is one of Baltimore's great civic leaders whose 
leadership as Mayor of Baltimore came at a crucial time during the 
city's history. His dedication to the principles of justice and 
equality helped advance the cause of civil rights in Baltimore. 
Grounded in a personal commitment to these values, he led his community 
with a moral authority, championing landmark legislation for all he 
represented.
  Thomas J. D'Alesandro, III is part of a legendary political family. 
The D'Alesandros are the ``first family of Baltimore politics'' and a 
classic American success story. Thomas' father, Thomas D'Alesandro, Jr. 
was also a great Mayor of Baltimore and later served as a Member of 
Congress. His mother, Nancy D'Alesandro, was a major figure in 
Baltimore politics in her own right and was described by former 
Governor William Schafer as ``a very fiery women, loved her kids, and 
was superb to old Tommy. She was a Democrat through and through.'' His 
only sister Nancy was elected to the Congress in 1987, and has 
distinguished herself as a great civic leader of her adopted City of 
San Francisco and is considered one of the most widely regarded Members 
of Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, character blooms in critical moments of choice. At that 
moment, complacency must give way to action, the expected must be set 
aside for what is just. Thomas D'Alesandro's resolute leadership as 
President of the City Council resulted in the passage of Baltimore's 
landmark Civil Rights Act. He later said that this legislation grew not 
from political expediency but from a moral imperative instilled in him 
by his years of Jesuit education.
  After serving as President of the Baltimore City Council, Thomas J. 
D'Alesandro, III followed in his father's footsteps and was elected 
Mayor in 1967. During his term as Mayor, Baltimore saw advancement in 
nearly every avenue of equal opportunity from housing to employment. 
Through criticism and praise alike, he maintained his distinctive 
presence of straightforwardness and honesty. It was because of his 
leadership that Baltimore was

[[Page E1307]]

kept calm for two full days after the tragic assassination of Dr. 
Martin Luther King.
  The Jesuits of Loyola College look with pride at the extraordinary 
contributions that Thomas D'Alesandro has made. His service to his 
community, his devotion to his family, and his commitment to the faith 
and values taught at Loyola represent the ``Jesuit ideal'' that the 
Society of Jesus seeks to instill in their pupils. It is truly fitting 
that Loyola honors him with its President's Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join in honoring Thomas 
D'Alesandro, III for his historic contributions to civic life in 
Baltimore and congratulate him on being awarded the prestigious Loyola 
President's Award for a life lived by the highest ideals of service to 
humankind.

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