[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1970-E1971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBRANCE OF GERALD SOLOMON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2001

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from New York, Mr. 
Sweeney, for leading this special order. I rise tonight to commemorate 
the life and career of Gerald B.H. Solomon.
  Gerry Solomon was well known as a tough-talking advocate for his 
Congressional district. But as a former Marine, he was perhaps the 
House's biggest advocate for veterans during his 20 years in Congress. 
As the ranking member on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, 
Solomon worked tirelessly on behalf of veterans and veterans' benefits, 
including beneficiary travel for veterans going to and from VA 
hospitals. Solomon was also successful in efforts to elevate the 
Veterans Administration to a cabinet-level department. This work won 
him wide praise from veterans groups.
  AMVETS National Commander Joseph W. Lipowski called Solomon ``one of 
our foremost advocates in Congress.'' In 1989, Solomon was presented 
with the AMVETS Silver Helmet Award. The award, which is a silver 
replica of the World War II GI helmet, has come to be known as the 
``Veterans Oscar.''
  It is fitting that Solomon was laid to rest with military honors in 
Saratoga National Cemetery. From his key position on the House Veterans 
Affairs Committee, Solomon was the driving force behind the creation of 
the cemetery and helped secure $1.45 million to buy the land for the 
cemetery. Solomon loved the unique place in history held by Saratoga, 
as it was the turning point in the American Revolution.
  In addition to serving as ranking member of the Veterans Affairs 
Committee, Solomon was Chair of the powerful Rules Committee. As the 
first Republican Chairman in four decades, Solomon used this 
chairmanship to promote the interests of New York.
  Public service was clearly Solomon's life. Coming from a family full 
of firefighters and policemen, I would be remiss if I failed to note 
that Solomon also served for years as a volunteer firefighter in his 
home town of Glen Falls, New York.

[[Page E1971]]

  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Freda and their five 
children, six grandchildren, and his brother.
  Mr. Speaker, I again thank my colleague Mr. Sweeney for offering this 
special tribute, and ask if the House would please Join me in pausing 
to recognize the distinguished life of Gerald Solomon.

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