[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 152 (Tuesday, November 2, 1999)]
[House]
[Pages H11304-H11316]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CONFERRING STATUS AS AN HONORARY VETERAN OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED
FORCES ON ZACHARY FISHER
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
joint resolution (H.J. Res. 46) conferring status as an honorary
veteran of the United States Armed Forces on Zachary Fisher.
The Clerk read as follows:
H.J. Res. 46
Whereas the United States has only once before conferred on
an individual status as an honorary veteran of the United
States Armed Forces, when in Public Law 105-67 Congress
conferred that status on Leslie Townes (Bob) Hope;
Whereas status as an honorary veteran of the United States
Armed Forces is and should remain an extraordinary honor not
lightly conferred nor frequently granted;
Whereas the lifetime of accomplishments and generosity of
Zachary Fisher on behalf of United States military
servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a wide
range of philanthropic activities fully justifies the
conferring of such status;
Whereas Zachary Fisher is himself not a veteran, having
attempted to enlist in the Armed Forces to serve his country
during World War II, but being informed that he was
ineligible due to a preexisting medical condition;
Whereas Zachary Fisher and his wife Elizabeth have as
private citizens enhanced the lives of thousands of
servicemembers, veterans, and their families through a wide
range of philanthropic activities;
Whereas Zachary Fisher has been honored by each of the
branches of the Armed Forces, by the Departments of Defense
and Veterans Affairs, and by the major veterans service
organizations for projects such as the preservation of the
USS INTREPID as a sea-air-space museum in New York harbor,
the establishment of the Fisher House program for relatives
of critically ill members of the Armed Forces and their
families, and the furnishing of scholarships and other
financial support to families who have lost a loved one in
service to their country; and
Whereas Zachary Fisher has been awarded the Presidential
Medal of Freedom in recognition of his extraordinary
patriotism and philanthropy: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled, That
Congress--
(1) extends its gratitude, on behalf of the American
people, to Zachary Fisher for his lifetime of accomplishments
and philanthropy on behalf of United States military
servicemembers; and
(2) confers upon Zachary Fisher the status of an honorary
veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arizona (Mr. Stump) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump).
General Leave
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous matter on this legislation.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arizona?
There was no objection.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, House Joint Resolution 46 is a joint resolution
conferring status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed
Forces on Zachary Fisher.
Mr. Fisher was a well-known ardent supporter of the U.S. military
personnel and their families. Unfortunately, Mr. Fisher passed away
last June. He was the founder of the Fisher Houses at military
facilities, as well as on the grounds of the VA medical centers.
Servicemembers and veterans or their families can stay at Fisher Houses
while receiving medical treatment.
The Fisher Houses are tangible evidence of Zachary Fisher's
commitment to servicemen and their veterans, but more important, for
the intangible comfort these respites provided during the difficult
times for their families.
In addition to the Fisher Houses, Zachary Fisher has established
foundations that provided college scholarships to military dependents,
and also gave generously to families and military members struck by
tragic losses.
Zachary Fisher's efforts on behalf of our men and women in uniform,
as well as veterans and their families, have earned the honor we bestow
today. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, before expressing my strong support for this resolution,
I want to take a few moments to make some brief remarks commending and
thanking Jill Cochran.
Jill, as many Members know, is an outstanding individual who has
served as a member of the Democratic staff of the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. She is a Democratic staff director on the
Subcommittee on Benefits, who will be retiring early next month after a
career of 25 years. During this time she has been devoted to working
with and on behalf of our Nation's veterans.
Mr. Speaker, Jill has played a significant role in fashioning much of
the major veterans' legislation enacted by Congress during the past 25
years. The list of her major contributions is so long I am unable to
recite it in the time available. I will, however, recognize her many
accomplishments in a statement in the near future.
She will obviously be missed, but for everything there is a season.
It would be easy to think about ourselves at this time and fret about
her absence. Instead, we wish her only the best as she embarks on a new
path in her life.
At this time I merely want to say, thank you, Jill, for all you have
done and accomplished for our Nation's servicemen and women.
Mr. Speaker, I also rise in strong support of this resolution, which
would confer status as an honorary veteran of the United States Armed
Forces on Zachary Fisher. I regret that this action on this resolution
was not completed before his death earlier this year, but I believe
that approval of this
[[Page H11305]]
joint resolution will be meaningful to his widow, Elizabeth, and to the
entire Fisher family. Certainly it would be a gesture of tremendous
importance to the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and to
our veterans.
To put it simply, Zachary Fisher loved his country. He loved those
who served their country through their military service. The
contributions made by Mr. And Mrs. Fisher which have enhanced the lives
of many military personnel and their families, and have honored their
service and sacrifice, are extraordinary.
Mr. Fisher was a remarkable man who lived an extraordinary life. In
his statement regarding Mr. Fisher's death, the President said, ``Mr.
Fisher helped all Americans repay the tremendous debt we owe to our men
and women who every day risk their lives to defend our country and to
advance the cause of freedom around the world. I am proud to present
him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom last Fall.''
I am proud to stand in support of House Joint Resolution 46, and I
urge my colleagues to support this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.J. Res. 46, which would
confer status as an honorary veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces on
Zachary Fisher.
I regret that action on this resolution was not completed prior to
Mr. Fisher's death earlier this year, but I believe that approval of
this joint resolution will be meaningful to Mr. Fisher's widow,
Elizabeth, and to the entire Fisher family. Certainly, it will be a
gesture of tremendous importance to the men and women who serve in
America's Armed Forces and to America's veterans.
To put it simply, Zachary Fisher loved his country--and he loved
those who serve America through their military service. The
contributions made by Mr. and Mrs. Fisher which have enhanced the lives
of military personnel and their families--and have honored their
service and sacrifice--are extraordinary.
Saddened by the devastating effects on Marines and their families of
the 1983 terrorist bombing of the Marine Barracks in Beirut, the
Fishers established the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Armed Services
Foundation.
Through the foundation, the Fishers provided financial assistance to
each of the families affected by this terrible tragedy. Subsequently,
they established a scholarship program funded by the foundation and,
since 1987, more than 700 students have gone to school as a result of
the foundation's assistance.
In 1990, the Fishers established the Fisher House Program, providing
more than $15 million to establish comfortable temporary housing for
the military families of patients receiving care at military and VA
hospitals. More than 25 Fisher Houses have opened their doors and are
now available to military families around the country.
The Fishers have also provided the funding for charitable efforts
such as the establishment of a child care center at the Camp Pendleton
Marine Base and development of the CAMP Program, which provides
services for the disabled children of military personnel at Lackland
Air Force Base.
The list of additional acts of generosity by Zachary and Elizabeth
Fisher is almost endless. Mr. Fisher led the effort to save the
aircraft carrier Intrepid from the scrap heap and contributed more than
$25 million to convert the carrier into the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space
Museum, located in New York City.
He served as honorary chairman of the board of directors of the
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and established the annual Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award for Excellence in Military Medicine.
Zachary Fisher was also a strong supporter of the Jewish Institute of
National Security Affairs, the George C. Marshall Foundation, the
United Jewish Appeal, and countless other organizations.
Mr. Speaker, Zachary Fisher was a remarkable man who lived an
extraordinary live. In his statement regarding Mr. Fisher's death,
President Clinton said, ``* * * Mr. Fisher helped all Americans repay
the tremendous debt we owe to the men and women who every day risk
their lives to defend our nation and advance the cause of freedom
around the world. I was proud to present him with the Presidential
Medal of Freedom last fall.''
I am proud to stand in support of H.J. Res. 46--and I urge my
colleagues to support this measure.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde), chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.
Mr. HYDE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me.
Mr. Speaker, among the pantheon of great American patriots belongs
the name of the late Zachary Fisher. His countless, and I mean
countless, acts of kindness towards our military and their families
over a long and full life are legendary. He went out and bought a
carrier, the Intrepid, for several millions of dollars, and brought it
to New York and turned it into a museum that still operates every day
to show people the great exploits of our military.
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Beyond what he has done for the military, his fight against the dread
disease of Alzheimer's led him to found the Fisher Center for Alzheimer
Research in New York, and when this dread disease is conquered it will
be Zach Fisher and the medical team he has assembled, along with David
Rockefeller and the president of the center, Mr. Michael Stern, who
will deserve an important share of the credit.
Zach Fisher lived a long life and he never stopped helping people,
caring for people. He had a giant heart, a giant soul that animated one
of God's very special people. I grieve his loss but I am so happy that
he ever lived and I knew him and he was my friend.
As a veteran, I am very proud to have Zachary Fisher declared through
this act, legislative act, an honorary veteran. If anyone should be an
honorary veteran, Zach Fisher should be. I want to thank the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Stump), the chairman of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs, for his thoughtfulness in bringing this forward, and the
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney), whose love and affection and
concern for Zach Fisher manifests itself in drafting this marvelous
resolution. I congratulate them both.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from New
York (Mrs. Maloney).
(Mrs. MALONEY of New York asked and was given permission to revise
and extend her remarks, and include extraneous material.)
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Evans) for yielding me this time.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 46
that would confer honorary veteran status on a true American patriot,
an individual who supported not only our Armed Forces and the
Department of Defense but also the many Americans and their families at
home, Zachary Fisher.
Zach was an extraordinary man. He received every single honor our
country could bestow on him, save one. He wanted to be a member of the
military. He wanted to be a veteran.
The bill before us today, which I authored along with the ranking
member of the Defense Committee on Appropriations, the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha), the chairman of the Committee on
Appropriations, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), and the
chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, the gentleman from Illinois
(Mr. Hyde), named Zachary Fisher an honorary veteran.
This great honor has been given only once before in the history of
our great Nation. This act before us, which I thank the gentleman from
Texas (Mr. Sessions), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump), and the
ranking member, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for helping me
bring before Congress today, makes Zachary Fisher an honorary veteran.
It would have made him tremendously happy because it puts an official
seal on what he already was, a member of the military family.
Zachary Fisher had many accomplishments, activities and interests,
but his great love was the military. I remember him explaining to me
why it was so important to him. He tried to enlist during World War II
but was turned down for physical disabilities which he received as a
young man working on construction sites. Since he could not serve, he
was especially grateful for those who served for him, for us, for our
Nation. He spent the rest of his life serving the military in any way
he could.
Zach Fisher knew that it was not the accumulation of great wealth
which he valued but the judicious use of that wealth for humanity. He
often said to me, and I quote, it is not what I make in life but what I
give that lives after me, and that lasts for eternity. By that
[[Page H11306]]
standard, he was tremendously successful.
Zach and Elizabeth Fisher created many foundations and found numerous
ways to help the military. He saved the USS Intrepid from becoming
scrap metal and turned this great ship into a sea-air-space museum in
New York City Harbor. His dedication turned the USS Intrepid into a
nationally-recognized museum with more than 500,000 visitors annually.
Through the Fisher Armed Services Foundation he created the first
Fisher House in 1990 to allow families to stay near their loved ones
who undergo surgery and treatments at military hospitals and veteran
medical centers. We all know the financial and emotional strain on a
family when a loved one is in the hospital. Fisher Houses give these
families a comfortable and affordable option near their loved ones.
There are now more than 25 Fisher Houses across the United States from
here in Washington, D.C. to San Diego, California. Mr. Fisher further
expanded his foundation to provide scholarships to those who have
served in the military. He provided scholarships to the sons and
daughters of families who have lost a loved one in service so that they
could go to college. More than 700 students have been able to go to
college, a goal that might otherwise not have been there for them.
Zach's most recent contribution was to create a partnership with the
Rockefeller Foundation for a state of the art research center on
Alzheimer's disease at Rockefeller University. In the halls of the
Intrepid, there are numerous honors and awards on the walls. From each
branch of the armed services, the Department of Defense and Veterans
Affairs, the major veterans organizations, to the Presidential Medal of
Freedom, Zach Fisher has been recognized for his contributions to the
military. Now today we have the opportunity to give him the one award
he desired the most, the honor of being a veteran of the armed services
of the United States.
I would like to add to the Record the listing of all the veterans
organizations that endorse this legislation.
I cannot conclude better than using the words of Zach Fisher's best
friend Michael Stern. At Zach's funeral, he said, and I quote, ``I
sought fitting words to say good-bye to my friend. I could not improve
on the words of Ronald Reagan. Well done, soldier.''
The following Organizations support H.J. Res. 46:
Air Force Association (AFA), Air Force Sergeants
Association (AFSA), The American Legion Rhinelander East Side
Post 6, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Assn. of
Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), Association
of the United States Army (AUSA), Disabled American Veterans,
Commissioned Officers Assn. of the U.S. Public Health
Service, Inc., CWO and WO Association of the U.S. Coast
Guard, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the
United States.
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Gold Star Wives of
America, Inc., Jewish War Veterans of the U.S.A., Marine
Corps League, Marine Corps Reserve Officers Association
(MCROA), National Guard Association of the United States
(NGAUS), National Military Family Association (NMFA),
National Order of Battlefield Commissions (NOBC), Naval
Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Naval Reserve
Association.
Navy League of the United States, Reserve Officers
Association (ROA), The Military Chaplains Association of the
U.S.A., The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Retired
Officers Association (TROA), The Society of Medical
Consultants to the Armed Forces, United Armed Forces
Association, U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Assn.,
U.S. Army Warrant Offices Association, United War Veterans'
Council of New York County, Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 6 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.
(Mr. YOUNG of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and
extend his remarks.)
Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House
Joint Resolution 46, which bestows honorary veteran status upon Mr.
Zachary Fisher.
Zach Fisher was a true American hero who spent most of his adult life
working behind the scenes in support of the men and women he loved who
served in our Nation's military. It is most fitting today that we grant
honorary veteran status to a man who longed to serve our Nation.
Unfortunately, a construction injury left Zach unable to serve on
active duty. He was turned down by the services because of a serious
knee injury when he tried to join the Marine Corps during World War II.
Unable to serve on the battlefield, he sought other ways to help those
he so envied who served here and abroad, in war and in peacetime.
The American public has probably never heard or read of Zach Fisher's
good will and generosity, but he wanted it that way.
When 241 Marines died in the tragic 1983 Beirut bombing, Zach Fisher
sent each of the victim's children a $10,000 check for their college
education. The total for the 113 children was $1,130,000.
When 47 U.S. sailors died in a 1989 accident aboard the USS Iowa,
Zach Fisher sent each family who lost a loved one a check for $25,000
to help with their expenses at a very difficult time in their life.
In all, with no public fanfare, the Fisher Armed Services Foundation
has sent out checks to more than 600 families of service members who
paid the ultimate price. It was Zach Fisher's way of saying thank you
from a grateful nation and from a grateful Fisher family.
His legacy of generosity and patriotism does not end there. Years
ago, he learned of the plight of a wife of a seriously ill member of
our military who could not afford a hotel room near the Bethesda Naval
Medical Center. She had to ride two buses each way just to visit him at
the hospital.
Zach came up with the idea to build a house on the hospital's grounds
where family members could stay and be near their loved ones in their
greatest time of need.
Today, there are 26 Fisher Houses on the grounds of U.S. military and
veterans hospitals and two more under construction, including the first
one abroad in Germany, where U.S. troops are stationed. These are
beautiful homes that allow family members to be together at a most
trying time in their lives. It is yet another way Zach Fisher and his
family serve those who serve our Nation.
To honor the legacy of courage and bravery with which Americans serve
our country, one of Zach Fisher's greatest and proudest achievements
was resurrecting the USS Intrepid into a living, floating museum. It
took 17 years and more than $25 million to open the Intrepid Sea-Air-
Space Museum, the world's largest marine museum, which is now docked in
Manhattan's Hudson River. It is one of New York City's most popular
tourist spots, and hosts more than 600,000 visitors annually.
Every May, it has become a New York tradition to kick off Fleet Week
activities with a parade of ships from all over the world, usually
watched over by Zach Fisher aboard the deck of the Intrepid.
Oftentimes, he was joined by former presidents and our Nation's highest
ranking military leaders. They all recognize how much Zach Fisher and
his wife Elizabeth have given to our Nation's service members. They
know his gifts came from the heart. He never sought public recognition
for his good deeds, just as those who fought on the ground, in the air
and at sea never sought public recognition for their acts of bravery.
For all his quiet yet good work, President Clinton awarded Zach
Fisher the 1998 Medal of Freedom, one of our Nation's highest civilian
honors.
Mr. Speaker, Zach Fisher's largess went far beyond those who serve in
uniform. He loved children and several years ago he learned of a
program at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas to care for a small
population of special children of service members. The Department of
Defense brings these children with severe physical problems and
learning disorders together at Lackland to meet their special
educational needs.
When Zach Fisher learned that this program was housed in two old
World War II quonset huts, he decided to do something about it. Today,
we have the Admiral Jeremy Boorda Center for Children with Special
Needs; a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that provides the best
care possible for these children.
One of the two Fisher Houses now under construction will serve as a
Children's Inn for the families of children being cared for at the
Boorda Center.
In addition to his concern for our Nation's youngest citizens, Zach
also was concerned about the terrible toll that Alzheimer's has taken
on older Americans. He responded as only he could by
[[Page H11307]]
establishing the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Disease Research at the
Rockefeller University in New York. This world renowned facility is
sponsoring leading-edge research into the causes of and cures for
Alzheimer's disease.
As my colleagues can see, Zach Fisher never responded in a small way
to a problem. He confronted problems large and small with the same
spirit and energy and he always got results. In the end, those results
have meant a better quality of life for the families of service
members, for children and for older Americans.
Mr. Speaker, the military coalition which represents all of our
Nation's major veterans organizations has endorsed this legislation
because they know how much Zach Fisher loved veterans and gave to our
service members.
I want to commend my colleague from New York Carolyn Maloney, for
introducing this resolution, and my good friend from Illinois Henry
Hyde for joining with me as an original cosponsor as we honor this
unique special American. We all share a certain sense of sadness that
Zach Fisher died last June before we could complete action on this
legislation. His life-long dream was to join those he most loved as a
veteran of our U.S. services. Today, for just the second time in our
nation's history, we grant that special status as an honorary veteran.
The Military Coalition, which represents all of our nation's major
veterans service organizations, has endorsed this legislation because
they know how much Zach Fisher loved veterans and gave to our service
members.
Mr. Speaker, when I first heard about Zack Fisher, I told many of my
colleagues that this person was just too good to be true. There
couldn't be anyone doing as much for his nation so quietly and with so
little fan fare. It wasn't until I first met Zach Fisher that I found
out he was even more kind and caring than the reports I had received.
Nothing brought a bigger smile to his face than a hug or handshake from
an enlisted service member or from a child visiting the INTREPID.
Today I know Zach Fisher is looking down upon this House with that
same glowing smile as a grateful nation says thank you to a true
American hero who devoted his life and his generosity to our service
members. He now stands shoulder to shoulder with all those past,
present, and future who wear the uniform and who will forever be
honored as veterans of our great country.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from
California (Mr. Filner).
Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr.
Evans) for yielding me this time, and I thank the chairman for getting
this resolution to the floor so quickly, and the ranking member for his
support, and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for this
marvelous resolution.
I think we have heard how important and how worthy Zach Fisher was,
and without understating those achievements I would like to take a few
minutes of the time that the Committee on Veterans' Affairs has on the
floor today to recognize another person who I think is an honorary
member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and that is the staff
director of the Subcommittee on Benefits of the Committee on Veterans'
Affairs on the Democratic side, Jill T. Cochran. She is retiring from
this institution after 25 years of service. Many of us have been taught
about the benefits that the veterans are due, from Jill Cochran.
{time} 1515
I would say her investment in our veterans is legendary. She served
for our esteemed colleague, former Member, Congressman Sonny
Montgomery, and made a major contribution to the development of the
Montgomery G.I. bill.
She helped to formulate the Transition Assistance Program for
separating service members to ease their transition from military to
civilian employment. She worked closely on updating the Reemployment
Rights for Veterans Program. She has had a great interest in Vocational
Rehabilitation Program for Disabled Veterans, just to mention a few of
the areas which she has contributed.
She has received awards for her service to veterans for virtually
every organization that serves veterans in our Nation. She has worked
for such Chairs and ranking members as Bill Hefner, Marvin Leath, Wayne
Dowdy, Tim Penny, Sonny Montgomery, the gentlewoman from California
(Ms. Waters), the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans), and when he was
a Congressman, Senator Tom Daschle.
A mere recitation of Jill's accomplishments do not do her justice.
She is a brilliant staff member who is warm and caring, funny and
totally charging. She cares deeply about her work, her colleagues, and
the Members of Congress for whom she works. But most of all, she cares
for our veterans. She, I think, is worthy of the praise of many of us
who want to express our gratefulness for her service on the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
So I join my colleagues, both on our committee and the Congress as a
whole, to thank Jill Cochran for her professionalism, her dedication,
her contribution to the veterans of our Nation. We will miss her.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Foley).
Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentleman from Arizona
(Chairman Stump), the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for
their leadership on this very, very important resolution today.
I come here today to also honor our good friend, Zachary Fisher.
Everything has been said that probably can be said about his wonderful
dedication to our veterans. Without question, there was no greater hero
in the eyes of veterans, of current active-duty personnel, of all the
military apparatus than Zachary Fisher.
He not only led the fight, he put his money where his mouth was. He
dedicated so much financial resources to American sailors and
infantrymen that it is just beyond belief.
But another side of Zachary Fisher I wanted to articulate was the
love he had for his friends and his family. His wife Elizabeth, many
have spoken about today, was suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Many
people in his financial position would be able to afford around-the-
clock nurses, which he did, and would have been able to keep his wife
in a quiet, private place. But Zachary insisted at every function that
Elizabeth accompany him to get whatever joy of life remained for that
wonderful woman.
Whether we were at La Cirque in New York or the Manalapan Club in
Palm Beach, he always insisted that Elizabeth be there at his side, at
his table. He would always at any event, whenever they were showering
love and affection on Zachary, would stop and say, had it not been for
Elizabeth, I could not have done all I have done. He honored and loved
his wife and dedicated so much resources to the fight for a cure for
Alzheimer's, again a true credit to him.
Billy White is his chief of staff. I know he was like a son to
Zachary, and he made Zachary's last years on this Earth exceedingly
comfortable. He took care of every arrangement, every detail, and made
certain that Zachary wanted for nothing. I know he left this world
appreciative of the fact that Billy White served him so capably as
chief of staff for his permanent office as well as the chief
cheerleader for the Intrepid.
We mentioned the Intrepid, which has seen many great, great
extravaganzas on behalf of charities throughout New York, led to the
revitalization of the waterfront and the Westside Highway, a phenomenal
achievement by one man, one individual to honor the great ship
Intrepid.
Mike Stern was mentioned, again a wonderful ally, close advisor,
trusted friend who worked tirelessly to make certain Zachary's wishes
on every project that he undertook were completed to great success and
to great satisfaction.
So as we pay tribute to this veteran, more than anything else than we
just speak the name Zachary Fisher, let us hope it instills in the
young people of America that freedom is not free, that men and women
have fought for the right for us to debate on this House floor, for us
to be considered the greatest Nation on Earth because we have the
strength and military superiority, came because of people like Zack
Fisher who all, while they could not serve personally, dedicated
themselves financially to make certain those that did were rewarded,
not only in spirit, but in deed.
I know others join me today in saluting this veteran, Zachary Fisher,
as we honor and confer on him this status. He
[[Page H11308]]
has deserved every mention today in the Congressional Record, and we
salute him in heaven and thank him for his work here on Earth.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas
(Mr. Edwards).
Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, today, this House honors Mr. Zachary Fisher
for his generous and tireless efforts on behalf of America's servicemen
and women and veterans. I never knew Mr. Fisher personally, but his
spirit of gratitude for our veterans and their sacrifices symbolizes
America's debt of gratitude owed to all other veterans.
In the spirit of Mr. Fisher, I also want to say thank you to another
citizen who has dedicated her adult lifetime to service for our
veterans, someone who is about to retire, my friend, the veterans'
friend, Mrs. Jill T. Cochran.
For 25 years, Mrs. Cochran has worked as a key staff member on the
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. For the past 15 years, Mrs.
Cochran has been the Democratic staff director of the VA Subcommittee
on Benefits, formerly the Subcommittee on Education, Training,
Employment and Housing. It is amazing that, in this capacity, she has
worked with nine subcommittee chairmen and ranking members.
Millions of veterans, whether they know it by name or not, have
benefited from Mrs. Cochran's appreciation for and love of veterans.
Her quiet but effective fingerprints can be found on such major
programs as the Montgomery G.I. bill, the Emergency Veterans Job
Training Act, vocational rehabilitation for service, disabled veterans,
and oversight of veterans preference in Federal jobs, only to mention a
few.
Mrs. Cochran has received more awards from veterans' organizations
than any of us has time to list. But I have to believe that, as
appreciative as I know Jill must be of these awards, I have got a
feeling that her greatest satisfaction in her 25 years of work for
veterans would be that her father, a distinguished veterans of World
War II and former chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs,
would be proud of her.
Mr. Teague, Tiger Teague, affectionately known as Mr. Veteran in this
House for so many years, is now in his final resting place next to
General Omar Bradley, the people's general, in Arlington National
Cemetery.
But I have to think that his spirit is soaring today with the belief,
the understanding that his daughter has carried on the Teague family
tradition of service to America's veterans.
To Jill Cochran, my friend, I say, thank you. To Mrs. Freddie Teague,
Jill's mother, I say, Job well done. To my political mentor, Tiger
Teague, I say that his spirit and legacy lives on through his family
and his daughter.
My colleagues, it is amazing to think that, in a few days, for the
first time since 1946, there will not be a Teague in the U.S. Capitol,
fighting for veterans in association with the House Committee on
Veterans' Affairs. But I know that the Teagues' love of veterans and
their impact upon them will last far into the 21st century.
To Zachary Fisher, to Jill Teague Cochran, let me say, on behalf of
all of my colleagues, thank you for not letting our veterans ever be
forgotten.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Nadler).
Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House
Joint Resolution 46, to confer honorary veteran status upon Zachary
Fisher.
Zachary Fisher made his career in the construction business and
contributed some of the most important buildings to the New York City
skyline. But his passion was for the men and women who served this
Nation in the military. He championed this cause up until his death
earlier this year.
Zack Fisher was unable to serve in the military himself because of a
leg injury sustained in a construction accident, but he became perhaps
this Nation's most devoted advocate for the armed forces. Throughout
his life, he dedicated himself to causes that supported and honored the
veterans and service members of the United States military. He served
as honorary chairman of the board of directors of the Marine Corps
Scholarship Foundation and the Coast Guard Foundation.
He established the annual Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Award
for Excellence in Military Medicine. He founded the Fisher House to
build homes for families of hospitalized military personnel. He gave
generously to numerous philanthropic organizations that aid service men
and women.
But perhaps his most important legacy was the creation of the
Intrepid Museum Foundation. In 1978, he spearheaded an effort to save
the battle-scarred aircraft carrier Intrepid from the scrap heap and
turned it instead into the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in 1982.
Located on the Hudson River in my district, the Intrepid is a floating
museum that hosts over 500,000 visitors each year of all ages and from
all parts of the world. It educates thousands of school children each
year and offers after-school and summer programs as well as vocational
training and counseling.
His tireless advocacy of causes related to the U.S. armed forces have
earned him the Horatio Alger Award, the Presidential Citizens Medal,
and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our Nation's highest civilian
honor.
Mr. Speaker, Zachary Fisher gave his life giving to men and women who
serve this Nation in the armed forces, even though he himself was not
able it. I know of no better way to honor his memory than to confer
upon him the status of honorary veteran. I myself consider myself
privileged to have known him.
Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back
the balance of my time.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions).
Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arizona (Mr.
Stump), the chairman of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs for yielding
me the time.
Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record the following letters honoring
Zack Fisher, written by political and military leaders, as follows:
June 7, 1999.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher,
Intrepid Museum Foundation, New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: It was with an extremely heavy heart that I
heard of Zachary's passing. Please know that Zandi and I are
praying for you and your entire family as you struggle to
cope with this tragedy. I have no illusion that my personal
pain is in any way comparable to your own. I do, however,
want you to know that Zandi and I, and your entire Marine
Corps family, are grieving with you and want to help in any
way we can. We are here for you. If you need anything--
anything at all--do not hesitate to ask.
Zachary was one of the greatest patriots this country has
ever known. He did so much for our service men and women; it
is difficult to put into words what his life meant to us. He
was the quintessential ``good man'' and a fine American. We
shall--all of us--miss him very much.
I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and
hold you in the palms of His hands.
Sincerely,
C.C. Krulak,
General, U.S. Marine Corps,
Commandant of the Marine Corps.
____
Chief of Naval Operations,
June 29, 1999.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher,
Intrepid Museum Foundation, New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: Garland and I were saddened to hear of the
recent passing of your beloved Zachary. He was a great friend
and a truly generous patriot. Our lives are enriched by his
friendship and example.
Garland joins me in sending our deepest personal sympathy,
and want you to know that you and your family are in our
thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do for you,
please let us know. God Bless.
Sincerely,
Jay L. Johnson,
Admiral, U.S. Navy.
____
Air Combat Command,
Office of the Commander,
Langley A.F. Base, VA, June 23, 1999.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher,
The Intrepid Museum Foundation,
New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: On behalf of the men and women of Air
Combat Command and the many lives touched by a lifetime of
selfless dedication, I offer our heartfelt sympathy on the
passing of your beloved husband, Zach. We mourn with you and
offer our most sincere condolence in this time of sorrow.
Zach served as a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope. A
grateful nation is indebted for the many patriotic and
charitable contributions. These noble causes were each
founded in a genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow
Americans. Though he can no longer be with us, he will
forever live in our minds and hearts.
While words cannot begin to ease the pain, we wish you to
know that all of us are deeply
[[Page H11309]]
concerned with what you and the entire Fisher family are
going through. We hope that our prayers can provide some
small comfort in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Ralph E. Eberhart,
General, USAF Commander.
____
The Commandant of the
United States Coast Guard,
Washington, DC, June 22, 1999.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher,
The Intrepid Museum Foundation,
New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: Kay and I speak for the entire Coast Guard
family when we offer our condolences to you and the entire
Fisher family. Zach was truly an angel on earth, and we will
miss him daily.
My personal goal in life will always be to leave evidence
of good will behind me. There was no better example for me to
follow than Zach. Please take comfort in the reality that
literally thousands of lives have been left the better
because he cared and acted.
Our fondest memory may be the honor you both gave us to be
included at your 52nd wedding anniversary celebration.
Watching you dance and love each other so completely offered
us great insight about what marriage and devotion should be
all about.
You will be kept in our prayers.
Love,
Jim and Kay Loy.
____
June 7, 1999.
Mr. William Bryan White,
Chief of Staff, Office of Zachary Fisher, New York, NY.
Dear Bill: All of us, of course, are deeply saddened by the
loss of Zachary, but share your conviction that he has gone
on to a rich reward.
Mouza and I ask that you send our thoughts and prayer on to
the family and to all of you who loved him.
We shall never see his likes again.
Sincerely,
E. R. Zumwalt, Jr.,
Admiral, USN (Ret.).
____
Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff,
Washington, DC, June 4, 1999.
Mrs. Zachary Fisher,
New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: Please accept Carolyn's and my sincere
condolences on the death of Zachary. We are both greatly
saddened and profoundly pained. On behalf of the men and
women of the Armed Forces and Joint Chiefs of Staff, please
accept heartfelt sympathy at his passing.
Zach was not only a personal friend, he was a tremendous
ally of America's military men and women, and their families.
An inspiring leader and a crusader for all that is right
about America, he was a pillar of strength for the countless
soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen he
helped over the years. Like the sailors of his beloved
Intrepid, as long as men and women go down to the sea in
ships, he will be remembered as the champion of our military
families and a great American, and he will be sorely missed.
For all his greatness, for all his magnanimity, and for all
his generosity, I know that he considered his crowning
achievement and grandest blessing to be his long and loving
marriage to you.
May the loving memories of his life be a source of comfort
to you and your family. With profound regret for your loss,
Carolyn's and my prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Henry H. Shelton,
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
____
To the Intrepid Family: The death of Zachary Fisher, an
American patriot, is a great loss to this country and the
Department of Defense. Mr. Fisher's generosity to service
members has been enduring and overwhelming and, for a private
citizen, perhaps unequaled. His actions went beyond simple
philanthropy; they spoke to the true needs of men and women
in uniform. Along with his wife, Elizabeth, Mr. Fisher was
widely known for standing with military families in their
darkest hours. In the midst of tragedies like the bombing of
the Marine barracks in Beirut and the USS Iowa gun turret
explosion, the Fishers provided financial assistance to over
340 of these grieving families. They also aided service
members and their families who could not afford college
tuition by awarding over 700 scholarships.
One of the Fishers' most enduring legacies is the 26 Fisher
Houses they build around the country at a major military and
Veterans Administration hospitals over the past nine years.
These temporary living facilities have been ``homes away from
home'' for tens of thousands of families who could not
otherwise afford local lodging while tending loved ones
seriously injured or undergoing major medical procedures. Mr.
Fisher also has pledged money for military child-care centers
and programs for disabled children of military personnel.
Zachary Fisher shone a light on military history and helped
inspire new generations of service members with the Intrepid
Museum, the aircraft carrier that was on the verge of being
scrapped. This vessel became the foundation of New York's
Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum, which hosts over 500,000
visitors annually.
Mr. Fisher's deeds stand as symbols of both our nation's
support and his love for the military men and women who serve
America. For these and other deeds of service, President
Clinton in 1998 conferred upon Mr. Fisher the Medal of
Freedom, our highest civilian award. We have lost not only a
supporter, but a very dear friend. His contributions will
live on, and his legacy will be generations of gratitude from
America's military community.
William S. Cohen,
Office of the Secretary, DOD
____
Secretary of the Army,
Washington, DC, June 8, 1999.
Mr. M. Anthony Fisher,
Senior Partner, Fisher Brothers, New York, NY.
Dear Tony: Eva and I offer our deepest condolence on the
death of your uncle.
The men and women of the U.S. Army and their families, who
have benefited so much from the tremendous generosity of Mr.
and Mrs. Fisher, will forever hold his memory dear. I hope
that you will find great comfort in the knowledge that his
legacy lives on at our installations around the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sincerely,
Louis Caldera.
____
Secretary of the Air Force,
Washington, DC, June 4, 1999.
Mrs. Zachary Fisher,
Intrepid Museum Foundation,
New York, NY.
Dear Mrs. Fisher: On behalf of all the men and women of the
United States Air Force, I want to express our deepest
sympathy to you and your family at the passing of your
beloved husband. America's men and women in uniform have been
the beneficiaries of Zachary's unwavering patriotism and
total devotion to his country. While he will be greatly
missed, he will never be forgotten. He will always remain in
the hearts of those he helped in their time of need. While
many people do impressive deeds, Zachary's legacy of caring
eclipses all.
Although there is little that can be said to lessen your
grief, Monnie and I extend our heartfelt condolences. You are
in the thoughts and prayers of a very grateful Air Force
family.
Sincerely,
F. Whitten Peters,
Acting Secretary of the Air Force.
____
Vice Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff,
Washington, DC, June 7, 1999.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher,
Intrepid Museum Foundation,
New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: Dede and I learned of Zach's passing with
great sadness and want to express our heartfelt condolences.
He was truly one of the Defense Department's most
distinguished and respected friends, and will be sorely
missed. During this most difficult time, may the knowledge
that countless uniformed personnel and their families have
and will continue to be blessed by his life of dedicated
service provide comfort to you and your family.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If
there is anything at all that Dede and I can do to help,
please don't hesitate to call on us.
Most sincerely,
Joseph W. Ralston,
General, USAF.
____
United States Army,
The Chief of Staff,
July 8, 1999.
Mrs. Zachary Fisher,
Intrepid Museum Foundation,
New York, NY.
Dear Mrs. Fisher: Patty and I wish to express our heartfelt
condolences to you. The death of Zachary Fisher is a great
loss to America's Army. The contributions he made to the
welfare of soldiers and their families is a great part of his
legacy. It is a legacy that will live on through the many
foundations he established that will continue to serve not
only the military but all of America.
The thoughts and prayers of soldiers all over the world are
with the entire Fisher family.
Respectfully,
Eric K. Shinseki,
General, United States Army.
____
June 11, 1999.
Ms. Sunny Kenosky,
Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum,
New York, NY.
Dear Sunny: Pat and I were mortified that we simply were
unable to attend Zach's service on June 7. Unfortunately we
were hosts of a similar service here in Washington for a
deceased long time employee and could not change the
circumstances.
Be aware that you and the family are in our prayers at this
difficult time. You, of course, can be very proud of Zack who
was above all a patriot and philanthropist of unmatched
generosity.
Pat and I were proud to have known Zack. If feasible,
please convey our condolences to Elizabeth.
Sincerely,
Alexander Haig.
____
June 9, 1999.
William Bryan White, Esq.:
Dear Mr. White; I was greatly saddened to receive your fax
telling me of Mr. Fisher's death. I would be most grateful if
you would pass on to his family my deepest sympathy at their
loss.
[[Page H11310]]
I shall always remember my own visit to the Intrepid
Museum. Mr. Fisher was an inspiration to all those who knew
him and his infectious enthusiasm brought history to life.
His remarkable achievement in preserving such a vital part of
the past as a reminder to future generations of the sacrifice
made by the United States armed forces will be a permanent
memorial to him.
With all kind thought and sympathies,
Your sincerely,
Margaret Thatcher
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 46, legislation
to confer honorary veterans status on Zachary Fisher. Designating
Zachary Fisher an honorary veteran offers Congress an opportunity to
express our gratitude to an individual who has done so much for our
country and for those who fight to protect our freedom.
We also give thanks and recognition to his wife, Elizabeth, and his
family for their lifetime support of the United States armed forces.
Zachary Fisher selflessly gave his time, energy, and strength to the
country that he loved very much. As the United States became involved
in World War II, Zack Fisher quit his job in the construction industry
with the hopes of joining the armed forces, but was denied enlistment
due to a leg injury.
Being unable to join the armed forces was devastating to Zack Fisher.
However, it did not take him long to find another way to participate in
the war effort. He used his construction know-how to build coastal
defenses along our United States coast along with the Army Corps of
Engineers.
After the war, Zack Fisher achieved great success in the construction
industry, helping to shape the skyline of New York City. Despite being
unable to serve in the military, Zack Fisher decided to share his
success with those who served on the battlefield to protect our freedom
and was especially generous in helping the families of those who died
for our country.
Mr. Fisher spearheaded an effort to preserve the USS Intrepid as a
floating museum honoring American veterans. The Intrepid, which is now
permanently docked in Manhattan, commemorates the bravery and sacrifice
of our own forces and is visited by hundreds of thousands of Americans
each year.
Mr. Fisher, along with his wife, also established the Elizabeth and
Zachary Fisher Armed Services Foundation to provide financial
assistance to families of those who gave their lives in service to our
country. The foundation also provides scholarships to the children of
those heroes.
In 1990, the Fishers were told the story of a wife of veterans who
could not afford to stay at a hotel near the VA hospital where her
husband was receiving treatment. Inspired by this, the Fishers built
homes near veterans hospitals designed to keep family members
comfortable and to be close to their loved ones. Despite this
generosity, Mr. Fisher never stepped into the limelight. He chose to
let his work and his gifts speak for themselves.
Mr. Fisher never stopped working for our Nation's veterans until his
death last summer at the age of 88.
{time} 1530
Mr. Speaker, Zachary Fisher's generosity and patriotism is an
inspiration to all of us. Congress should recognize his legacy of
respect for those who protect our freedom by passing this legislation
and conferring honorary veteran status to Zachary Fisher.
Mr. Speaker, Zachary Fisher was a personal friend of this country; he
was a fine American, patriot, and a long-time friend to my family and
my father, who knew him when he served in the Bush and Reagan
administrations. I also greatly appreciate knowing Zachary Fisher.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank also, in particular, the
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) for sponsoring this
legislation, as well as the chairman of the committee, the gentleman
from Arizona (Mr. Stump); and I would like to thank the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs for working with me on this to bring it to the House
floor.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New
York (Mrs. Maloney).
Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for
yielding me this time, and on behalf of the family, Mrs. Elizabeth
Fisher, Anthony Fisher, Richard Fisher, Arnold Fisher, Michael Stern,
Billy White, and many others, I would like to place in the Record,
along with my colleagues in this bipartisan effort, letters from
President Clinton, former President Bush, the former First Lady, Nancy
Reagan, prominent religious leaders, political leaders, and many, many
friends and supporters.
The White House,
Washington, DC, June 9, 1999.
Elizabeth Fisher,
One Intrepid Square, West 46th & 12th Avenue, New York, NY.
Dear Elizabeth: We were so saddened to learn of Zachary's
death and wanted to extend our deepest sympathy to you and
your family during this difficult time.
As demonstrated by Zachary's remarkable career and
extraordinary awards such as the Presidential Citizens Medal
and the National Medal of Freedom, he was a noble and
wonderful individual who well deserved his reputation as a
patriot and humanitarian. His contributions to our country
are an example for us all. From his support to American armed
forces and their families, to his distinguished commitment
against the struggle of Alzheimer's disease, he'll long be
remembered and deeply missed by those who were privileged to
know him and to be inspired by his generosity and service.
With lasting gratitude and respect to Zachary's
accomplishments, we send our heartfelt condolences to you,
Larry, Ginny, and all of your family. We'll be keeping you
all in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Bill Clinton.
____
George Bush,
June 6, 1999.
Dear Elizabeth, Your husband Zach, our friend Zach, was
just about the kindest most generous man I ever met. Besides
all that he was what I would call a genuine patriot.
None of us who believe in and back our armed forces will
ever forget all he did in support of the military and their
families.
Barbara and I will never forget his many kindnesses to us.
We feel we have lost a dear friend.
In these days of sadness and grief we send you our most
sincere and respectful condolences.
George Bush.
____
Office of Nancy Reagan,
June 7, 1999.
Mrs. Zachary Fisher,
1 Intrepid Square, West 46th Street & 12th Avenue, New York,
N.Y.
Dear Elizabeth, Ronnie and I were so sorry to learn about
Zachary's death last Friday. After fifty six years of love,
marriage and partnership that knew no bounds, there are
certainly no words to ease the pain at this difficult time.
However, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and
prayers.
Zachary Fisher was truly a remarkable man, who loved life
and served as an inspiration to many. He rose from humble
beginnings, worked hard for many years and then, when he
could have taken an easy retirement, he began a whole new
career of ``giving.'' Zach gave and gave and just when
everyone else thought there was no more to give, he always
came through again.
There are so many examples, and although Zach was never
looking for the credit or even a pat on the back, we all know
the truth. It is because of him that young people have
attended college with badly needed scholarships, the
historically important Intrepid has been preserved, our
nation's military bases are filled with Fisher Houses to aid
military families in times of medical emergencies and
thousands of Alzheimer's victims have been given hope for the
future. Zachary Fisher made a difference--and because of this
we should never forget him.
Elizabeth, on a personal note, we will always cherish our
evening on the Intrepid in September, 1993. Ronnie said that
evening that Zachary Fisher was an American hero and there's
no question that is true. He loved our country and her people
as much as anyone could. If we could be with you today as you
honor Zach's life, I know that Ronnie would be proud, as the
former Commander in Chief, to salute Zach one last time and
tell him, ``Job well done, soldier.''
Please know that we are praying for you at this time.
Sincerely,
Nancy Reagan.
____
Mr. Bill White, Chief of Staff to Zachary Fisher
Good morning Mrs. Fisher, Mr. Larry Fisher, Mrs. Ginny Ross
and the entire Fisher family. Distinguished guests, ladies
and gentlemen, we at Intrepid wish to welcome all of you. We
thank you for taking the time to be part of this event.
Today, we gather to pay tribute to our beloved Chairman,
Founder, and above all, our friend--Zachary Fisher.
You will shortly hear from members of Mr. Fisher's family
and from those whose lives he has touched. His family felt it
appropriate to hold this service here at the Intrepid Sea Air
Space Museum. Fearless, brave, and courageous are words that
describe this ship. They are also words that describe the man
we honor. Zachary Fisher--you are Intrepid.
Mr. Fisher often quoted the philosopher Kahlil Gibran, who
said, ``He who gives of
[[Page H11311]]
material things gives nothing . . . But he who gives of
himself gives all.'' Zachary Fisher gave his all to
everything he was involved with and to everyone he cared
about.
I was reminded by Ken Tomlinson at one of those famous
lunches at the Twenty-One Club eight years ago that Zachary
said, ``See how easily this breaks?'' snapping a single
wooden match. ``Now try to break these,'' he said handing me
a grouping of seven matches. Held together, they could not be
broken. ``It's the same with family,'' Zachary said. ``If the
family sticks together, no one can break you . . . It is a
lesson my father taught us many years ago.''
So it is fitting that last night at the chapel after
talking with Sunnie, Anne and Tony, there are three important
things with Zachary right now. There is a picture of him and
Elizabeth, because no one was more important than Elizabeth.
A picture of all of the Fisher brothers, because no one was
more important than them. And a piece of the wooden flight
deck of Intrepid from 1943 from which one of the people here
carved out a mini Intrepid carrier. It's about five inches
long. Two of the former crew members who served on this very
ship during World War II and are here today signed the bottom
of it. Zachary is holding that right now.
I hope that today when you leave this special place
dedicated to the nation that Zachary loved so much, you carry
with you the memory of this very special individual--someone
who has truly touched all of our lives and reinforced for us
the thought that God really does create extraordinary people.
Zachary, it has truly been an honor to represent you the past
eight years. You are my inspiration, my friend and my hero. I
will never forget you, and I will always be grateful to you
for allowing me to be part of your life.
At this time, I would like to introduce our Master of
Ceremonies, a longtime friend of Zachary Fisher, and a man
who truly needs no introduction, Mr. Walter Cronkite. As Tex
McCrary says, ``Mr. Cronkite, the bridge is yours.''
____
Mr. Walter Cronkite, Master of Ceremonies/Special Correspondent, CBS
News
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Intrepid today. We are
glad that you could all join us for today's ceremony. It is
most appropriate that we gather on board Intrepid today,
because this ship meant so much to Zachary. When he undertook
the mission to save this ship from the scrapyard, he launched
himself on a course that would eventually make Elizabeth and
him our country's most generous supporters of the men and
women of the Armed Forces. He cared deeply for the young
people who are willing to put their lives on the line every
day to defend our nation and the principles we all hold so
dear. It is heartwarming to see that we have been joined
today by America's senior military leadership, along with
hundreds of Zachary's other friends. Thank you for being with
us.
____
The Honorable Henry J. Hyde, Chairman of The House Judiciary Committee
Distinguished friends, guests, the Fisher family and,
especially, Elizabeth, I just have two simple ideas I would
like to assert. If everyone for whom Zachary Fisher performed
a loving service were to bring one blossom and put it on his
casket, he would sleep under a wilderness of flowers.
In 1666, London was devastated by a terrible fire, almost
wiped out, and out of the ashes a genius named Christopher
Wren, another builder, arose and almost singlehandedly
rebuilt London. His crowning achievement was the Cathedral of
St. Paul. If you go in the back, beneath the floor, he is
buried. And you kick the dust away--the Latin words ``Se
requeris monumentum circumspace''--``If you would seek his
monument, look around.'' That applies perfectly to Zachary.
If you would seek his monument, look at the Intrepid, look at
the Fisher Houses, look at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's
Research. Look at every serviceman and servicewoman all over
the globe and you see his monument.
This is a time for sorrow, for lamentation, for grief, but
it also is a time for thanksgiving. We should thank God that
such a man lived and we knew him.
____
Rabbi Judith Lewis, Temple Israel
Zachary Fisher wore the name of a Biblical prophet of
ancient Israel, Zachariah. Zachariah, the Biblical prophet,
lived during the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. The
Jews had been granted permission to return to their promised
land to rebuild their sacred shrine in their capital city.
Zachariah, the Prophet, spoke the language of builders. He
described the technical aspects of constructing that major
edifice.
At the same time, he had a universal Messianic vision of
religion. ``These are the things that you must do,'' said
Zachariah. ``Speak truthfully with your neighbor. Execute the
judgment of truth and of peace within your gates. Let no one
devise evil in your heart against your neighbor nor approve
of false oaths.''
Then he prophesied the one God of Israel would have
dominion over all the world. Zachariah was the author of a
famous passage with which we close every worship service to
this day. He said, ``On that day the Lord will be One and His
name will be One.''
If we live the ideals of our religion, then all people will
eventually recognize that we all share one creator. Zachary
Fisher lived through the rebuilding of the modern State of
Israel. His family has been among the most generous
supporters of the homeland of the Jewish people. Yet Zachary
was a man of the Diaspora. He was an American, a proud
patriot. He believed in the ideals of this country, the
ideals of equality, opportunity, freedom and justice.
He loved the military not because of its might and power
but because of the values this country cherishes, because of
the ideals of American democracy, ideals that are worth
sacrificing our lives to protect. Zachary Fisher stood in awe
of those who were willing to place their own lives on the
line to defend others, to fight for what he believed was
right. His admiration and reverence for heads of state, for
politicians and officials, for military leaders and rulers of
nations, for people with the power to change the world was
palpable, genuine and sincere.
For Zachary Fisher was a man of faith, a true idealist who
gloried in the fact that he could demonstrate his commitments
in grand public gestures. But the motivation behind those
gestures was a quiet, sincere, idealistic belief in the power
of humanity to cure the evils of this world. In his memory
may we commit our lives to that task.
God, you have been our refuge in every generation, before
the mountains came into being, before you brought forth the
earth and the world. From eternity to eternity, you are God.
You return us to dust, decreeing, `Return O mortal ones,' for
in your sight a thousand years are as yesterday, when it has
passed as a watch in the night. You engulf us in sleep. We
are like grass that renews itself. At daybreak it flourishes
anew; at dusk it withers and dries up.
The span of our life may be three score years and ten or,
given strength, four score years or more, but the best of
those years have trouble and sorrow. They pass by speedily
and we are in darkness. Teach us, therefore, so to number our
days that we may attain a heart of wisdom. Turn to us, O God;
show mercy to your servants. Satisfy us at daybreak with your
steadfast love that we may sing for joy all our days. Let
your deeds be seen by your servants, your glory by their
children. May your favor, oh God, be upon us. Establish also
the work of our hands that it may long endure.
____
Mr. Michael Stern, Chief Operating Officer, Fisher Center for
Alzheimer's Disease Research Foundation
Zachary often told me that the measure of a man's success
was not the wealth he accumulated during his lifetime, but
the good that he did that lived on after him. By that measure
he was extraordinarily successful. Zachary did not limit
himself to grand deeds, though there were many.
During the war in the Pacific, the Intrepid was hit by a
Kamikaze plane. Burning fuel oil doused a crew in a gun tub.
A handful of sailors on deck threw themselves into the
inferno to help save their burning comrades. The heroic
sailors were awarded the Navy Cross--all but one; he was
black. He received an inferior award. For fifty years he
sought to rectify the error. His story finally reached Zach
Fisher. At that year's Fleet Week dinner, Ronald Reagan
pinned the Navy Cross on his chest.
President Reagan concluded his speech that night by
extolling Zachary Fisher and saying, ``As former Commander in
Chief of our Armed Forces, I say, `Well done, soldier!' ''
There was a thunderous applause and hardly a dry eye.
I have been asked many times why Zach has concentrated on
the military. The answer is simple. Zach tried to enlist but
was turned down for physical disabilities. Since he couldn't
serve himself, he spent a lifetime serving those who served
for him--and for us.
There is now a bill before Congress to name Zachary Fisher
an honorary veteran. This has only been bestowed once before
in the history of our nation. The bill was presented by
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney with the backing of the
powerful Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Bill
Young. Both are seated amongst our mourners. This act of
Congress would have made him justly proud, because it puts an
official seal on what he already was--a member of the
military family.
Zach has been my friend for almost half a century. We have
worked together in the foundation for many years and I am
proud to have stood tall in his shadow. I sought fitting
words to say goodbye to my friend; I could not improve on the
words of Ronald Reagan--``Well done, soldier!''
____
Mr. Arnold Fisher, Nephew of Zachary Fisher
I am privileged to say a few words about my Uncle Zach.
Although much will be said about Zach, my father, larry, and
their brother, Martin, and how they started as hard working
bricklayers and contractors, and others will focus on the
growth of Fisher Brothers into one of the premier real estate
partnerships in the country, I feel that a more personal
testimonial to Zach is to share with you some of my thoughts.
Our business is known for its rough and tough nature.
Building on Manhattan Island is demanding, frustrating and
difficult in the best of times. The men who build modern New
York had to be equally tough or they would have failed. The
Fisher brothers were, and are, no different. That make Zach
Fisher's emergence as a man recognized by presidents, prime
ministers, generals, admirals and the common, everyday
soldier, sailor,
[[Page H11312]]
airmen, marine and coast guardsman as a man of uncommon
compassion all the more unique.
While most men blessed with the good fortune of a Zach
Fisher would have settled into a life of leisure and luxury
during their later years, Uncle Zach found an entire new
focus for his life--His military family and friends. While
his contemporaries were golfing and cruising, Zach spent many
of his weekends aboard his beloved Intrepid, hosting parties
for the visiting men and women in uniform, chairing memorial
services for those who has given their last full measure in
our nation's service and in general, ensuring that our
nation's armed forces would never be forgotten.
Whether it was the welcome home of the Vietnam veterans or
the celebration of Fleet Week that he initiated, Zach loved
the company of young men and women of the United States
military. Zach had his close friends among generals and
admirals but it was to the everday soldier, sailor, airmen,
marine and coast guardsman that he devoted his full energy.
He built 26 Fisher Houses adjacent to military hospitals
across the country for a pure and simple reason--Zach wanted
the service families to have a clean, comfortable home in
which to wait for the recovery of their loved ones. Whether
in war or peace, if events claimed the life of one of more of
his military family, Zach immediately established
scholarships to ensure that the children of the military
would not be forgotten.
In all ways and at all times, Zach was here for his
military family. Even the accolade of ``America's foremost
military philanthropist'' fails to capture the love and
passion that motivated him. Others could do good work but
Zach was taking care of his family. Zach's love and
compassion were nowhere more evident than his complete
devotion to this wife, Elizabeth. Wherever Zach went, always
at his side was Elizabeth. And as Elizabeth's battle with her
illness became more demanding, Zach intensified his
partnership in the battle. He founded one of the foremost
research efforts in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer's.
Until his last day, his love for Elizabeth and his complete
devotion to her never waned; it grew. Zach's commitment to
his wife is an example to all of us.
So what of my Uncle Zach? Chiseled out of the granite of
the New York construction business, Zach was the beacon of
kindness and gentleness that is so rare in America today. He
touched millions through his generosity and compassion. He
brought grace to our lives. He will be missed. I will miss
him.
Zach, thank you for showing us the way, for we will follow.
____
Mr. Richard Fisher, Nephew of Zachary Fisher
To all of us gathered here, Zachary Fisher was a monument
of a man. But rather than speak of the monument, I would like
to take a moment to speak of the man himself. To quote
someone wiser than I, ``This was a spacious man who carried a
kind of innocence that had no tincture of naivete in it.''
There was nothing narrow or confined, or confining, about
Zachary.
Horatio Alger could not have written a more dramatic,
unbelievable story of a bricklayer who became an immensely
successful businessman, who then effectively retired to start
an entirely new career in the gracious and generous service
of his country, for which he won the Medal of Freedom, our
nation's highest civilian award. But in the spaciousness of
his character we should also remember that he was for his
brother, Larry, his best and dearest friend. For us, his
nieces and nephews, he was our dearest, kindest, gentlest,
beloved uncle.
What we need to understand about this man's character and
vision was that while it played out on the immense stage of
our country--whether through the Intrepid, The Fisher Houses
and the Alzheimer's Foundation, to name just a few--it
continued without abatement to play out within our family
with equal energy and grace.
The public praise of this extraordinary human being you
already know and will hear again. Know how well deserved it
is. But that other dimension of this man--our brother, our
husband, our uncle--is equally monumental, because when he
moved onto that much bigger stage, he will still retained his
delightful innocence, his vision and his pride in and for our
family.
Zachary taught and gave us character. He brought us the
spaciousness of his dignity, together with the pure innocence
of his ideals and principles. For that we cannot thank him
enough, nor honor him sufficiently. He shall be missed, most
of all for the pure sweetness of his character.
____
Mr. M. Anthony Fisher, Nephew of Zachary Fisher
Today is, in many ways, a celebration of the extraordinary
accomplishments of a great man, Zach Fisher. He was an
exemplary philanthropist, patriot, businessman, and a true
gentleman. He has been acknowledged as such many times over
with the numerous honors and medals that have been awarded
over the years. The most impressive, of course, is the Medal
of Freedom, which the President gave him this past September.
There are a few awards that don't exist that I wish did.
The first one would be the Golden Mensch Award. I am sure all
of the members of my family who are sitting here today would
agree that one of my Uncle Zach's greatest qualities was that
he was always willing to lend a sympathetic ear. This was
especially comforting to know on a day when you had been in
to see my other beloved uncle, Larry, and you had suffered a
well-deserved tongue lashing. It's true. Zach was always
there to pick up the pieces and to put things in perspective.
Together, Larry and Zach were a formidable team. They took
the concept of good cop/bad cop to new heights and, in doing
so, taught us much, including the invaluable lesson of
teamwork amongst family. This notion of family was so
strongly ingrained in Zach that it was the foundation upon
which his life's ideology was built. I will always remember
the day, very early on in my career at Fisher Brothers, that
Zach called me into his office. Similar to the experience
that Bill White had, he said to me, ``Try and break this
match''. I took it, and I did. Then he handed me a bundle and
said, ``Now try and break this bundle''. When I couldn't, he
said ``Now, that's family for you. If we stick together, we
will stay strong.''
I believe that, throughout the years, I have learned much
from Uncle Zach's example--even more than his words. It was
never necessary to ask him for help, because he was always
two steps ahead of you. For that lesson, I say, ``Thank you,
Zach.''
So, today, as we review the life of a man who I truly
loved, I would like to bestow upon him one last honor: it
would be a medal for a life well lived.
____
His Eminence John Cardinal O'Connor, The Archbishop of New York
It must be providential that just about an hour ago I was
privileged to receive in my residence Rabbi Ruden, Jim Ruden,
together with Members of the Board of the American Jewish
Committee. They had come to give me a check for $100,000 to
be transmitted to the Catholic Relief Services to assist in
the building of a Catholic school in Macedona for refugees
from Kosovo.
I told them very explicitly when they gave me the check
that I was coming here and that this was the kind of thing
that Zach Fisher has been inspiring for years and years and
years with absolutely no distinction of race, creed, color or
any other differentiating characteristic.
When I think of him, I think of the words of Tennyson,
``Shall I ask the brave soldier who dies by my side in the
cause of mankind if our creeds agree?''
I think, too, of a little story that old time newspaperman,
George Sekowski, once wrote about a young sailor named Joe
Callahan. Joe Callahan's brother, Jim, had been killed during
one of the wars in the Pacific. When his ship was near that
particular island, he asked the lieutenant if he could go
ashore to visit the grave of his brother, who was buried
there.
The lieutenant not only permitted it but went with him. He
arrived in the cemetery, found the grave of his brother, Jim,
Jim Callahan, Irish Catholic. Beside Jim Callahan's grave on
one side was the grave of Luther Brown, Lutheran, and on the
other side was the grave of Isaac Goldberg, Jew.
Young Joe Callahan said a prayer over each grave. Then he
looked up at the lieutenant. He said, ``Gee, Lieutenant, my
brother always did keep swell company.''
Anyone who was ever privileged to spend even a few moments
in the presence of Zach Fisher knew that he was truly in
swell company. Tony Fisher, you and your lovely wife, Anne--
who were gracious enough to come to my Mass at St. Patrick's
Cathedral yesterday, when I tried, to the best of my ability
in accordance with my Catholic faith, to honor this truly
noble Jew, Zachary Fisher, and to invite several thousand
people to pray for him and for all of the family--I doubt
that you would be offended if I offered you, for all of the
Fisher family, perhaps, the one little gift that they don't
have and would never expect to receive, a Cardinalatial
yarmulke. May I leave this with you? Thank you.
____
The Honorable Rudolph W. Giuliani, The Mayor of the City of New York
Thank you. Distinguished guests. Governor Pataki, all of
the distinguished members of the military, elected officials,
in particular, Larry Fisher and members of the Fisher family
and the family of the Intrepid, today we finally get to show
our gratitude to Zach. We finally get to turn in some small
way the stream of generosity that has flowed only one way
toward us to him, and to thank him and to let all of you in
the Fisher family know how important he is to everyone in the
City of New York and throughout the United States.
What is it that fueled Zach's extraordinary generosity, his
extraordinary sense of obligation? I believe it was that
Zachary Fisher understood in a very deep and profound sense
that freedom is retained only through dedication, commitment
and sacrifice, that the wonderful blessings that we have as
Americans that make us the luckiest people on the face of the
earth do not happen by accident. They happen because there
are men and women who are willing to lay down their lives to
create it, to protect it and to expand it. At the very core
of his being, he understood our obligation to them and then
expressed it in a way that most of us are incapable of doing
because of the great love and generosity of spirit that he
had.
One week ago today was Memorial Day here in New York City.
We celebrated it as we do now every year because of Zachary
and
[[Page H11313]]
Elizabeth Fisher, on the Intrepid. Rather than being turned
into a scrap heap, this ship stands as a proud tribute to the
American military and as a very, very strong reminder of the
price that we're going to be called on to pay, both now and
in the future.
A personal note of debt of gratitude to Zachary and
Elizabeth Fisher: Donna's father and my father-in-law, Lt.
Commander Bob Kofnovec, served on this ship in the latter
part of World War II. To see him return to this ship with his
grandson and his granddaughter and explain to them about what
it was like to return from a mission, what it was like to
land with the slightly warped deck, to see him take them
around and show them where he served in the noble cause of
defending freedom and to pass on to them that feeling and
that sense is a debt that I owe personally to Zachary and
Elizabeth Fisher.
But I am not alone in owing that debt; thousands and
thousands and thousands of other Americans owe that debt to
him also. So for my wife, and for me, I say thank you, very,
very much.
It's no surprise that Zach Fisher built this museum. He
began building when he was very, very young. At 16 years old
he began in the construction business. He and his brothers
and family built much of what you see in the most magnificent
skyline in the world. It is sometimes described as the eighth
wonder of the world, except a wonder that is created by human
hands. Zach's hands were one of the most significant in
creating it.
Many, many people would have been more than justified in
being satisfied with that contribution. Instead, after he
made that contribution, enough to be placed in a very special
place of honor among his fellow New Yorkers, Zach decided to
give back even more to the men and women of our military to
help to preserve and then to create this museum, to make
certain that the men and women of our military understand
that at times of greatest loss there are citizens that care
about them.
Beyond what he's done for the military, I should also tell
you that he includes in that family the men and women of our
police department and the men and women of our fire
department. When they have a loss, he is there to
financially support them and to morally support them.
I believe it is not coincidental in some plan that exists.
When Zach died the other day, within a few hours we lost
Capt. Vincent Fowler, who died in the line of duty in Queens
fighting a fire to try to protect the lives of others. I bet
somehow that Zach and Fire Captain Vincent Fowler--Capt.
Fowler is to be buried tomorrow--are standing in heaven and
they're looking down and they're saying thank you to each
other, Zach saying thank you to Capt. Fowler for putting his
life at risk to save others, and Capt. Fowler saying thank
you for taking care of his wife and his three children who
are left behind.
Zach Fisher wasn't an accident either. He is a product of
this beautiful, strong and loving family. His generosity of
spirit was not his alone, it is all of yours. As the Mayor of
New York City, I thank you for what you've given us, the City
of New York. As an American, I thank you for what you have
given the men and women who pay the extra price. As a father,
I particularly say thank you for what you've done for my
children and my family. Thank you very much.
____
The Honorable Peter F. Vallone, The Speaker of the New York City
Council
I first had the great privilege of meeting Zachary Fisher
more than a decade ago when he came to City hall looking for
what I thought was a financial commitment. Can you imagine,
Zachary Fisher looking for financial commitment?
I soon found out that what Zachary was looking for was for
the great City of New York to become part of the great work
of the Intrepid. Previous speakers referred to him as Mr.
Intrepid. That has come to mean to me some very important
attributes. He was a kind man. He was a truthful man. He was
a just man and he was a peaceful man. He lived what the
Prophet Isaiah said three thousands years ago, that some day
kindness and truth shall meet, justice and peace shall kiss,
peace shall spring out of the earth and justice shall look
down from heaven.
This Intrepid is not a monument to war; this Intrepid is a
monument to peace and to Zachary Fisher. Just as surely, some
day, justice shall look down from heaven, you know and I know
that Zachary Fisher is looking down upon all of us and
saying, ``Keep the faith; keep the peace.''
____
The Honorable Alan G. Hevesi, the Comptroller of the City of New York
Thank you very much, Walter Cronkite, ladies and gentlemen.
This is a celebration of a life and it is a period of
incredible mourning for the passing of one of America's
greatest citizens. I thank you all for being here; it is so
important that you are here.
Arnold Fisher developed the theme: We are here in profound
sadness, for me as well as many of you, a touch of anger that
Zach is taken from us. Because as much as he gave, there was
so much more to give.
But here was the quintessential New Yorker, he and his
family building a business in the toughest competitive
environment possible. They were rough, they were tough, they
were uncompromising. They built a great business empire. They
refused to suffer fools, Zach particularly, and they competed
successfully.
And at the same time, Zach Fisher was one the most caring,
decent, compassionate, kindly persons imaginable and one of
the sweetest people you'll ever want to meet. He never said
no. All the charitable work, all the philanthropy, all the
caring for the servicemen who stand between America and her
people and values on the one side and evil on the other side,
Zach was there for them.
For the families of servicemen and women who died, Zach was
there for them. The scholarships, the Intrepid, the
Alzheimer's program, the Fisher houses, and so many other
instances that we don't know about because they haven't been
celebrated.
My wife, Carol, who loved Zachary dearly and who would be
here now but she is recovering from surgery, was an
administrator at Creedmor Psychiatric Hospital and at dinner
one night was talking with Zachary about taking care of some
of the most desperate people in the world, people who have no
control over their own mental faculties. Zachary asked Carol
what do they need more than anything else, in addition to
their medical care, and she said, ``Some respite from the
campus of a psychiatric hospital, some ability to get to a
ball game or to the theater, to get to a park.'' Three weeks
later, six brand new vans to transport patients all over this
magnificent city were provided by Zachary Fisher.
Zachary Fisher's life, however, is not just summed up by
his philanthropy and his toughness and his caring but also an
unspoken value that needs to be expressed: the profound value
of love. As macho and as tough as this man was, and his
family, what drove him was a sense of love, particularly for
his family, especially for his beautiful wife, Elizabeth--
expressed no more dramatically than in the last ten years
during her illness--but for the entire family.
In a sense, I am representing another portion of that
family, the friends of Zach Fisher, whom he brought into his
circle as members of the family with the kind of caring and
love and affection that is unprecedented. It is reflected in
his decades long friendship for Michael Stern. It is
reflected in his incredible caring and loving for Billy
White--and one day, Billy, I will tell you about the number
of times he spoke behind your back about who you were and who
you were going to be--and about all the rest of us who he
brought into the circle.
So we have lost a very extraordinary man, tough, rough,
relentless, kind, compassionate, loyal, decent, loving, the
sweetest man of all, a great friend, a great mentor, the
greatest patriot in America, our dear friend, Zach Fisher.
God has blessed Zach Fisher; God will bless Zach Fisher as he
has blessd us by allowing us to know and to be with Zachary
Fisher. thank you all for being here.
A few years ago, a news crew followed Zach as he traveled
the country on his mission of good will. They produced a
snapshot in the life of a man who they named, and was aptly
named, a patriot in the shadows. At this time, I ask you to
join me sharing a memory of America's greatest patriot and
our dear friend, Zach Fisher. Thank you.
____
The Honorable Charles Schumer, United States Senator
Well, thank you very much, Walter. And like so many who
have preceded me here, it is truly an honor to stand here and
remember Zachary Fisher.
When the Founding Fathers had finished writing the
Constitution, one of them was approached by a citizen who
said, ``What have you done?'' And that Founding Father
responded and said, ``We have given you a democracy if you
can keep it.''
What was meant was that, in this brave new experiment that
had never been tried before, were the people of America up to
it? Would they be able to keep this democracy? The Founding
Fathers wondered about that and they wondered about whether
private citizens throughout the country could live up to the
ideal that they had created.
Well, Zach Fisher was the apotheosis of the idea that the
Founding Fathers wanted for the American citizen. Of course,
as a family man, his dedication to his wife was something
that they would have very much treasured. As a businessman,
somebody who did good for himself and his family but also did
good for a whole city by creating that great skyline and the
office space that now employs and houses thousands, was also
something that they envisioned.
But most of all, it was his volunteerism, his ability to
step forward and go that extra mile that made him the citizen
they very much wanted to be an American. It would have been
easy for Zach, having been so successful in business, having
had a loving and large family around him, to just sit back
and relax, but he couldn't and wouldn't. His efforts on
behalf of so many different charities were right there.
But most of all, it was his volunteerism on behalf of the
military--what a combination--that distinguished him beyond
any other American citizen that we have known. This museum
that we stand on, again, signifies just that. It is both a
monument to what happened in the past and to the lives that
were risked over and over again.
But Zack had a special genius and he wanted it to be a
vision for the future, so that this museum--which, the New
York Times wrote, ``Zachery Fisher willed into existence''--
looks to the children. Every week there are tens of thousands
of elementary
[[Page H11314]]
and high school students who come here who may not have
learned otherwise what had happened. There is vocational
training. There are summer programs. He is teaching the young
people; he is teaching them at this moment, even though he is
no longer with us and looking down upon us, of how important
it is to have a close link between the citizenry and the
military. Teaching the children as we now watch, as we have
our soldiers in harm's way overseas, how important it was and
is and will be that sacrifices be made.
So, in short, if the George Washingtons and the Thomas
Jeffersons and the James Madisons were looking down here on
this room and, looking down on Zach Fisher's life, they would
smile. He was just the American they wanted all of us to be.
____
The Honorable George Pataki, The Governor of the State of New York
When I was asked if I could be here this morning, my
response was immediate: How could I not be here this morning?
As all of us know, Zachary Fisher was always there. He was
there for me and my family. He was there for New York and
he's always been there for America.
On this solemn day, we pay tribute to one of the greatest
Americans of our time, an American whose deeds outran his
words, an American whose love of country knew no bounds.
Zachary Fisher was a dear friend to all of us and on this
day, our hearts--and, indeed, the hearts of men and women
across America--are filled with sadness. But none of us can
possibly feel the sense of loss that Elizabeth, Ginny and
Harry feel today. To you and to Arnold and Richard, Anthony,
Ken and the entire Fisher family, God bless you. Our thoughts
and our prayers are with you. To Elizabeth, I know that
little can be said to ease your pain but I hope your heart is
warmed by the fond recollection of Tex McCrary, who described
your years with Zachary with these words: ``The Fisher story
is a love story--love of country, love of the armed forces
and love of each other.''
Zachary's actions say more about him than our words ever
can, but it is appropriate that we join here today on this
symbol of America's strength, for it was this symbol of
strength and pride, pride in America's armed services, that
Zachary devoted his life to renewing. The Intrepid is one of
his many legacies, one of his many gifts to the people of
this nation for generations to come.
I think Zachary would be proud to see us gathered here
today on this great monument, for our presence here embodies
the fulfillment of his vision which was to create a deep
spirit of reverence and appreciation for our military
institutions and, more importantly, for the men and women who
make them great.
The philanthropic contributions that he, Larry and
Elizabeth and the whole family bestowed upon this nation
amount to tens of millions of dollars, but the depth of their
compassion and generosity is best measured not by dollars but
by your boundless love of America.
My wife, Libby, felt that love when she was with Zach for
the opening of Fisher House in Albany, where military
families will get the services and care they deserve. I felt
that love of America right here on the Intrepid so many
times, most memorably when Zachary and I presented Yitzhak
Rabin with the Intrepid Freedom Award. Ten days later,
Yitzhak Rabin was taken from us. Last year Zachary received
the Medal of Freedom. It is a fitting tribute to one of our
great patriots.
Zachary Fisher had a dream for America and for us. He
fulfilled that dream. He will be sorely missed but his dream
will live on in our memories and in his legacies and in the
heart of a grateful nation that mourns his passing. God bless
you.
____
Master Sergeant and Mrs. Glynn Davis, USAF, Fisher House Residents and
Volunteers
Tena and I are honored today as just one of the more than
35,000 military families helped by Fisher House. I have been
a Fisher House volunteer at Andrews Air Force Base for the
past three years, and never dreamed that I would have to call
on the services of the program I so deeply love. My story
begins while on leave in Georgia in April.
My wife began having back pains and had to be rushed to the
military hospital at Fort Gordon. Because of our unique
situation, we were referred to the Medical College of Georgia
in downtown Augusta. The doctor examining my wife turned to
me and said, ``Your wife is eight centimeters dilated and you
are going to have a baby.'' My heart started pounding; my
hands began to shake. I could not hold back the tears. How
could this be? My wife was barely six months into her
pregnancy. The stress I was going through was almost too much
to bear.
On the 21st of April, my wife gave birth to a 2-pound, 6-
ounce, baby boy, who we named Noah. After spending the next
two nights in a chair beside my wife, the hospital social
worker asked about our plans after my wife's discharge. So
far away from home, in a civilian hospital . . . Where would
we stay? What would we do? Until this point, my thoughts were
only on my son's health.
The social worker suggested the Fisher House at Fort
Gordon. After calling and explaining my situation to Mr.
Cruz, the Fisher House manager, he said, ``You are welcome
here at the Fisher House. Our doors are always open for
you.''
After spending each day visiting our son, here was a place
where I knew my wife and I could rest. There was a phone at
our bedside so we could call the hospital to check on our
son's condition before we went to bed and first thing every
morning. There was an answering machine and a computer with
e-mail to receive messages of support from family, friends,
and co-workers. There was a washer and dryer with soap that
was donated, a kitchen to prepare our meals, and often food
donated by caring people. This was just what the doctor
ordered and relieved a major portion of the stress my wife
and I were experiencing, ``a true home away from home.'' All
of our needs were graciously met, and that allowed us to
focus on Noah.
My story ends on a happy note. Our son was later medivacked
to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda. He now
weighs over three and a half pounds, is doing well, and
should be home very soon. Every day we thank God for my son,
and for sending this world people like Zachary and Elizabeth
Fisher.
We will truly miss Mr. Fisher. I know his spirit and
generosity will continue to touch and bless the lives of
military families for generations to come, and he will
continue to live in our hearts. May God bless us all. Thank
you.
____
The Honorable Richard Danzig, The Secretary of the Department of the
Navy
I speak to you this morning on behalf of the President of
the United States and Mrs. Clinton, the Secretary of Defense
and Mrs. Cohen, and also, beyond that, on behalf of sailors
and marines everywhere and, indeed, all members of all the
services of the United States military who Zach loved so
much.
They loved and admired him so much. You see this if you
look closely. Beyond the bright, brave, red coats of the Drum
and Bugle Corps, you will see some red eyes. There is real
feeling in the military for Zach Fisher.
When I left Andrews Air Force Base this morning, I told the
captain who was seeing me off where I was going. He said that
he had been in a squadron in which two members had died in
the line of duty. The next day, he said--the next day--the
Fisher Foundation was there.
It was not so much, he said, the money; it was the caring--
not so much the money, the caring. I think Bill White hit
exactly the right note at the opening of this ceremony when
he quoted Kahlil Gibran and said what really made Zach so
special was not just his deeds, but the way in which he
cared. He invested; he invested himself.
I think there is an image of giving that speaks of it in a
spiritual and almost saintly way, that can make of it
something ascetic, something self-denying and self-
sacrificing. We tithe ourselves to give to others.
I really don't think that was Zach. Zach gave in a
different kind of way. He gave in a way that I think of as
loving. It wasn't at all self-abnegating, self-sacrificing.
You look at that videotape--Zach wasn't an anonymous donor.
He was right in the middle of everything, and we loved him
for that.
That kind of giving translated into Zach putting his
imprint on all of our lives and everything he did. He knew so
many of us. He knew the managers of all those 28 Fisher
Houses on a first name basis. He knew so many of the people
in this room. He knew so many soldiers and sailors, airmen
and marines. That kind of contact made the deeds not only so
good but brought with them a kind of loving that I think was
infectious, that caused everyone who was touched by it to
start to do more themselves.
An account that I much liked was of a recipient of one of
the bonds that Zach gave, one of those 113 children in the
wake of the Beirut bombing. It came time to go to college at
a university in North Carolina and he presented this $10,000
bond to pay for his education. The person in charge of
finances and scholarships was confused by it and asked where
did it come from and how it fit into the financial aid
picture and was referred back to the Fisher Foundation.
He spoke with Zach and then decided that, all things
considered, that this student, in light of the example that
Zach had set, should get financial aid and keep the bond. He
told the student this. The student came back the next day and
said, ``Can I really do anything I want with this?'' The
finance director said, ``Yes, you can,'' and feared that it
was about to be spent on a car or some such.
The student said, ``I want to give the money to my sister
so she can get an education also.'' That is Zach and what he
did and the influence he had on all of us. I think it ran
further. I think it set for all of us an example of how to
give, an example that--precisely because it isn't self-
deprecating and self-effacing but instead was so warm and
human--created for all of us an example that we could aspire
to.
For Zach, giving wasn't some act that diminished you;
giving was an act that increased you. It wasn't self-
abnegating, it was self-fulfilling. I think for Zach it was
like his relationships with his family. As he loved his
brothers and his nephews, as he loved Elizabeth, that became
a fulfillment for him. And he found in these other
activities other forms of fulfillment, and we all saw it
and wanted to become a part of it. In our relationship
with Zach, we did become a part of it.
There is another realm of life which I think adopts this
kind of approach and, in
[[Page H11315]]
my mind, it is the military. We can talk about the military
as a realm of sacrifice, as an arena in which people do
heroic things at real cost to themselves. That is a correct
picture, but there is another part to the picture and that is
how rewarding it is, how richly fulfilling, how the sense of
the worth of what you're doing, the sense of the mission, the
sense of the intimacy and camaraderie of other people, builds
a connection that, in the end, produces a life that is really
worth living.
Many observations have been made about why Zach connected
so meaningful with the military. I think Michael earlier
correctly identified Zach's feelings of patriotism and his
sense of how he, too, would have liked to have served in the
military but for the bricklaying injury that he'd had as a
young man. I think we understand that Elizabeth's performance
in the USO and her coming back brought home to Zach a sense
of how much the military did and how much civilians could do
by working with the military.
But I think, above all, the relationship between Zach and
the military was a natural because they are kindred souls,
because there is a sense in both Zach and in our uniformed
services of what it is to give, to give of yourself, that
there are times and circumstances where sacrifices are made
that ordinary people would regard as a cost.
But beyond that--beyond that is a sense of how richly we
can connect with one another, what it means to relate to one
another as though we were family. Zach and the military were
a love affair waiting to happen and it was only appropriate
and natural that the military took Zach to its heart as he
took them to his and that this love affair blossomed. At
times when the military was less than fully appreciated by
America--and at times, as well, when it was fully
appreciated--Zach was there as a member of the family, as
somebody who understood that kind of transcendent love, that
deeper meaning of doing a higher thing, of having a sense of
the most intimate kind of camaraderie.
So I feel now a great sense of loss in Zach's departure. I
also feel a sense that he showed us the way. He showed us
what it is not merely to give of your resources, but give of
yourself and, in the end, how deeply, deeply rewarding that
can be. He has drawn all of us into that and for that, Zach,
I thank you and God bless you.
____
General Henry Shelton, USA, The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Today, we gather to celebrate the life of an incomparable
man . . . a loving husband . . . a wonderful friend . . . and
a great American.
Today, we celebrate the life of an admired man . . . a man
who counted among his countless friends the men and women who
wear the uniforms of our nation and their families.
Today, we celebrate the life of a gallant man . . . a man
who considered his greatest blessing and crowning glory to be
the love of the woman who was his wife, his partner, and his
best friend for over half a century--Elizabeth.
Today, we honor a true giant among men.
Will Rogers once said, ``We can't all be heroes. Some of us
have to stand by on the curb and clap as they go by.''
Today, we all have to stand on the curb and wave farewell .
. . as a genuine American hero goes by.
Zach liked to say that he was born with naval aviation--in
1910. At that time, America was still a young power on the
world stage. By the time he died, the automobile had replaced
the horse and buggy, the aircraft carrier had replaced the
battleship, supersonic jets had replaced biplanes, men had
walked on the moon, and America stood tall as the world's
predominant global power.
Some realities throughout his long life, however, never
changed: the need for a strong defense, the need for
compassion, and the need for hope.
Zach saw all of this and more, and so he threw his time,
energy, and resources behind projects designed to improve:
the lives of people who serve their nations and communities;
the lives of people who give of themselves for the betterment
of others; and the lives of people, suffering from incurable
afflictions of the body and spirit.
Zach was, of course, a builder of rare accomplishment. His
legacy, however, lies not in the buildings he built, but
rather in the spirit of America he upheld.
I remember when I first heard about Zach Fisher. What
struck me most was his love of boats and the sea. Now, a lot
of us like boats . . . some folks like bass boats, some
larger fishing boats, some yachts.
Not Zach! He went out and bought an aircraft carrier! And
what a carrier he bought! the USS Intrepid . . . the
``Fighting I'' of Leyte Gulf, a ship synonymous with
greatness, not unlike its benefactor--the man we honor today.
And this, the Intrepid Freedom Foundation, is the product
of his vision. Zach Fisher saw beyond the rusting hulk of a
ship that would soon become razor blades. Zach saw a living
monument to freedom, to sacrifice, and to courage.
The ghosts of Intrepid--the fighting spirit of the men who
served on this glorious ship--move about us today, reminding
us that courage and commitment transcend generations.
The ghosts of Intrepid, today stand ready to claim their
greatest captain.
When I last saw Zach, in February, he was struggling
physically. But, typical of Zach, he brushed aside my
questions about his health and he grilled me about my health!
He was concerned about how I was holding up in Washington.
But above all else, he was most concerned about the troops
and what I was doing to take care of them. And when Zach
pointed the laser beam of his attention at you, you stood a
little taller, and you made sure your facts were correct.
So, I told him the troops were doing well! This was no
exaggeration, thanks in no small measure to the incredible
generosity of the Fisher House Foundation, the Fisher Armed
Services Foundation, and many other manifestations of Zach
Fisher's love and concern.
The Fisher name is a watchword for caring, a symbol of
patriotism, a true lamplight for thousands of young men and
women who guard freedom's frontiers around the world.
Zachary Fisher spent a good portion of his life making
certain that those who serve the nation in the dark and
dangerous places around the globe were appreciated, loved,
taken care of, and treated in a manner befitting their
service and dedication to America.
Those who wear the uniforms of America's Armed Forces will
forever be indebted to him.
We cannot forget this patriotic American--full of love for
his country and full of concern for those who defend her.
We cannot forget this devoted husband--full of love for
Elizabeth, the light of his long life.
We cannot forget this wonderful man, so full of greatness
and humility, sought not glory for himself, but rather glory
for America's fighting men and women.
And, as long as men and women go down to the sea in ships
like the Intrepid, we shall not forget Zachary Fisher.
Samuel Johnson said, ``It matters not how a man dies, but
how he lives.''
Zach Fisher lived life to the fullest.
And we are a better country, a richer people, and a
stronger military for his life.
Like all of you, I am proud to have called Zachary Fisher
my friend, and I will miss him greatly.
____
General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.), Chairman, America's Promise,
Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Elizabeth, members of the family, friends, there is sadness
here and there is sorrow here today but there is also
happiness and great joy as we celebrate Zach's life and as we
reflect on the changing of the seasons.
A reading from Ecclesiastes:
``There is an appointed time for everything and a time for
every affair under the heavens, a time to be born and a time
to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot the plant, a
time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a
time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to
mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a
time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to be far
from embraces, a time to seek and a time to lose, a time to
keep and a time to cast away, a time to mend and a time to
sow, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love
and a time to hate, and a time of war and, finally, a time of
peace.''
The word of God, a tribute to our dear friend, Zachary; who
meant so very, very much to us. Now may flights of angels
take him to his rest.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to just
thank all of those that took the time to pay tribute to this great
American, one of the best friends probably that the military has ever
had.
I also want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Evans) for his
cooperation in bringing this bill to the floor.
Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.J. Res. 46 which
honors Zachary Fisher as an honorary veteran. His lifetime support of
our military and veterans clearly justifies naming him as an honorary
veteran.
When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Mr. Fisher was
told he could not serve in the Armed Forces due to a serious knee
injury sustained in a construction accident. Determined to do his part,
Mr. Fisher used his expertise in construction to help the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers build coastal fortifications. His dedication to the
Armed Services continued after the war. Over many decades, he lent his
full support to the U.S. military and their families. Mr. Fisher
established the Zachary and Elizabeth M. Fisher Armed Services
Foundation to serve as a support agency for both military personnel and
their families affected by service-related accidents. To date, hundreds
of families from all branches of the armed services have benefited from
this foundation's support. In addition, the Fisher Armed Services
Foundation provides educational scholarship funds to Armed Services
personnel and their families. Since 1987, more than 700 students have
received scholarships of between $500 and $2,500, allowing them to
pursue education opportunities which otherwise would not have been
possible.
Moreover, in 1990, Mr. Fisher established the Fisher House Program.
Under this program he dedicated more than $15 million for
[[Page H11316]]
the construction of temporary homes for the families of military
personnel receiving care at major military treatment facilities and VA
Medical Centers. The houses provide support for families as they serve
as a ``home away from home.'' One of these houses is located in my
district at Fort Bliss. The presence of a Fisher House in El Paso, and
throughout military bases around the country, help ease the minds of
America's finest and their families during times of illness.
Mr. Fisher, as exemplified by these philanthropic efforts on behalf
of our Nation's veteran's and military, established himself as one of
our most dedicated patriots. Through these charitable acts, and
numerous others in various civic and community efforts, he set a
tremendous example for all Americans to follow. For these reasons, I
urge my colleagues to honor Zachary Fisher by unanimously supporting
H.J. Res. 46.
Mr. STUMP. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Shimkus). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Stump) that the House
suspend the rules and pass the joint resolution, H.J. Res. 46.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the joint resolution was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________