[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 167 (Friday, December 3, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S15230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page S15230]]
                         ZACHARY FISHER TRIBUTE

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, I come before my colleagues today 
to pay tribute to a great American and dear friend, Mr. Zachary Fisher. 
Zach led an extraordinary life that included service to his fellow man 
and to our country. He was a major philanthropic benefactor for the men 
and women of the United States Armed Forces. His generosity was shared 
with numerous non-profit organizations and foundations including causes 
such as Alzheimer's Disease, military retiree housing, and educational 
benefits for our men and women in uniform.
  When the United States entered World War II in 1941, Zach was 
ineligible to serve in the armed forces due to a serious knee injury 
sustained in a construction accident. ``I could have cried,'' he said, 
recalling the day he was told he did not pass the Marine Corps 
physical. ``I wanted to go defend my country.''
  Nevertheless, determined to do his part, he aided the U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers in building coastal fortifications at home. Following the 
war, Zach, along with his brothers, earned an international reputation 
as a leader in the construction industry. Zach spent the rest of his 
life doing good deeds for his country, turning the wealth he earned as 
a developer into good will for the men and women of the armed services.
  In 1978, Zach founded the Intrepid Museum Foundation to save the 
historic and battle-scarred aircraft carrier Intrepid. Through his 
efforts the vessel became the home of the Intrepid Sea Air Space 
Museum, which opened in New York City in 1982. Zach went on to 
contribute more than $25 million for the establishment and operation of 
the Museum, a tribute to the thousands of military men and women who 
have served and continue to serve our country.
  In addition to founding the Intrepid Museum, Zach and his wife 
Elizabeth also formed the Fisher Armed Services Foundation to provide 
contributions to families who survive the death of a loved one in the 
armed service. Since then, the Foundation has supported hundreds of 
families of military personnel.
  The Foundation also provides scholarship funds to active duty and 
former service members as well as their families. Since 1987, hundreds 
of students have received significant scholarships to further their 
education. In 1990, the Fishers began the Fisher House Program, 
dedicating more than $15 million to the construction of housing for 
families of hospitalized military personnel. The houses are designed to 
provide all the comforts of home and allow families to support one 
another through their difficult times.
  The Presidential Medal of Freedom Award, the highest honor that can 
be awarded a United States citizen, was presented to Zachary Fisher by 
President Clinton in 1998. Fisher was awarded the Medal for his 
steadfast and generous support of the U.S. military. His support of the 
military was also recognized this year as legislation, which I had the 
honor of sponsoring in the Senate designating Zachary Fisher as an 
honorary veteran of the United States Armed Forces. Zach was only the 
second person ever to receive such a designation. In addition, Zach was 
also awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom.
  Sadly, Zach lost his long battle with cancer on June 4, 1999. Zach 
was truly the friend of the everyday soldier. He will be dearly missed 
and remembered for his selfless devotion to United States service 
members and their families. Zachary Fisher was a great man who leaves 
behind a legacy that will continue to better the lives of American men 
and women for years to come.

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