[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 151 (Friday, December 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2161]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO SIDNEY YATES

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                        HON. JOHN JOSEPH MOAKLEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 8, 2000

  Mr. MOAKLEY. Mr. Speaker, on October 5, our country lost a great 
patriot, Sid Yates. Sid was my very dear friend, and a beloved federal 
representative, who preserved and protected our country's finest 
cultural resources and historical landmarks.
  For nearly a half of a century, Sid served in the House of 
Representatives. I was fortunate enough to have served with him for 
more than 25 years. He was a true gentleman and distinguished 
politician who brought honor and dignity to the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  It was a very sad day when Sid announced he would not run for 
reelection. I know the House of Representatives meant a great deal to 
him, and it was very hard for Sid to leave a place that he loved. 
Personally, I missed him greatly. It always made my day when he 
returned to Capitol Hill for a visit. I was saddened by his passing and 
he will be greatly missed by those of us who worked beside him, and the 
nation as a whole.
  Many people remember Sid as a tremendous advocate of the arts, but I 
will always remember him as a master of the art of politics. Sid loved 
serving as a deputy in the Democratic Whip organization. So much so 
that for well over twenty years, Sid served as a deputy whip, while 
championing the causes of the Democratic Party.
  Not only was Sid a great politician, but he was also a genuine and 
caring person. He worked hard behind the scenes to help individual 
members shepherd their projects through the legislative process, but he 
was always certain to give the credit to others. Although a giant in 
the House, Sid would always make it a point to take of the little 
things without any kind of fanfare. For instance, every Thursday, after 
our Democratic Whip meetings, Sid would always make sure to bring back 
muffins or danish to his staff. Although in the grand scheme of things 
this small token of thoughtfulness was probably lost on most Members, I 
believe it spoke volumes on the kind of person Sid Yates was.
  While I will always remember Sid as a wonderful and caring person, I 
can't overlook how hard he worked to make our country a beautiful and 
cultural place to live. As Chairman of the coveted Interior 
Appropriations Subcommittee, he fought tirelessly to protect free 
expression of the arts, and to preserve funding for national parks, 
historical landmarks, and national seashores. He was a true believer in 
the benefits of the arts and historical landmarks.
  My hometown of Boston had benefited greatly from his generosity and 
dedication to preserving historical landmarks. Over the years, Sid 
supported vital federal funding for Boston's Freedom Trail, a wonderful 
walking tour through the City of Boston that provides a historical 
review of the many famous Revolutionary War sites including the African 
Meeting House, Dorchester Heights, and the Old South Meeting House.
  Thanks to Sid's work with the Freedom Trail, tourists can visit the 
famed Old North Church, where Paul Revere hung two lanterns warning 
citizens of Boston that the British were coming by sea; or Faneuil 
Hall, where colonists met to protect British rule; and many other 
revolutionary war sites.
  As an appropriations committee cardinal, Sid was also helpful in 
providing funds to preserve Boston's 31 harbor islands, which are rich 
with historical and geological treasures. Because of Sid's support, 
visitors will soon be able to take a ferry to many of these remarkable 
islands, which have been unaccessible for years. Sid's commitment to 
the preservation of the harbor islands will provide plenty of 
recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to Boston. The 
City of Boston is a better place to visit thanks to the kindness and 
wisdom of Sid Yates.
  Just as the lanterns at Old North Church shone brightly to guide the 
patriots in their fight for independence, Sid Yates' commitment and 
dedication to the arts and humanities was a guiding light for all 
Americans. While his light has faded, his legacy will endure because of 
his devotion to preserving our country's historical landmarks and 
cultural resources. Just like Paul Revere, Sid Yates was a great 
patriot.

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