[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 71 (Tuesday, May 22, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5434-S5435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        TRIBUTE TO ROBERT H. FOSTER, PUBLISHER AND MODEL CITIZEN

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to pay 
tribute

[[Page S5435]]

to Robert H. Foster of Dover, NH, publisher of the distinguished New 
Hampshire newspapers Foster's Daily Democrat and the Laconia Citizen, 
and a number of other papers, in honor of his 80th birthday which he 
celebrated on May 17. The newspaper is the longest continually managed 
and owned periodical by direct descendants of its founder with the 
family name in its banner.
  I have known Bob for nearly 20 years. He is man of impeccable 
character, commitment to his community, and devotion to his family. His 
dedication to journalistic excellence has won him the respect of many 
politicians in the Granite State, no matter what philosophy or party 
affiliation. Robert Foster is known for his fairness, and for 
impressing upon his writers and editors that ``integrity matters.''
  Robert and his wife, Terri, have been the driving force behind the 
success of the newspaper. Foster's Daily Democrat is rich in history 
dating back to the founding father of the newspaper, Joshua Lane 
Foster. On June 18, 1873, Joshua published the first edition of the 
Dover area newspaper. Robert assumed ownership of the newspaper upon 
the death of his father, Frederick Foster, on November 7, 1956. Robert 
has worked diligently to ensure that the newspaper continually 
maintains a standard of professionalism.
  Today, as in 1873, Robert understands the importance of keeping the 
citizens of his community abreast of information which affects the 
quality of life in the Seacoast and the Lakes Region. Robert and 
Foster's Daily Democrat are a mainstay in the community, providing the 
latest news and information to their readers.
  As members of the greater Dover community, Robert and Terri have been 
generous benefactors. Among other accolades, they have been honored as 
``Citizens of the Year'' in Dover.
  Robert, a World War II and Korean conflict veteran, has also served 
on the Board of Governors with the New England Newspaper Association 
and is a former Trustee at the University of New Hampshire.
  Bob and Terri have three children: Catherine Hayward, Patrice Foster 
and Robert F. Foster. They are also proud grandparents of Catherine and 
Gregg Hayward and Samuel and Joshua Foster.
  I commend Robert Foster for his numerous contributions to his 
community and our state. He is an exemplary leader who has gained the 
respect of those who know him. It is an honor and a privilege to 
represent him in the U.S. Senate, and I am proud to call him my friend. 


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