[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 158 (Thursday, November 15, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CONGRESSMAN THOMAS DOWNING

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. EDWARD L. SCHROCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 15, 2001

  Mr. SCHROCK Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
honoring, the life of Congressman Thomas Downing. Congressman Downing 
served Virginia's First District as a member of this body from 1959 to 
1977, and represented parts of the peninsula and the Eastern Shore that 
will soon become part of Virginia's Second Congressional District.
  Congressman Downing brought with him to Congress a keen, first-hand 
knowledge of the military and the need for readiness. He was a 
decorated veteran and hero, having commanded some of the first troops 
to invade Germany. He was awarded the Silver Star for saving two of his 
companymen after an ambush by German troops.
  During his service in Congress, he used this knowledge of the 
military to help create a military more prepared for combat. He helped 
Newport News Shipbuilding expand and build the North Yard, which 
allowed them to build larger ships and to allow for a stronger and more 
prepared American Navy.
  Congressman Downing is perhaps best known for his work following the 
assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King. 
During the 94th Congress, he served as the Chairman of the Select 
Committee on Assassinations. His own curiosity in the matters fueled a 
vigorous investigation and numerous new theories to explain the 
circumstances surrounding President Kennedy's assassination.
  Following his retirement from the House, Congressman Downing 
continued to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia and our nation, as a 
member of the Board of Visitors for his alma mater, the Virginia 
Military Institute, and as President of the Board of Directors of the 
Mariners' Museum.
  Throughout his life and during his service as a member of this House, 
Congressman Thomas Downing was a true public servant and a great 
Virginian. Our nation, the Commonwealth, and Hampton Roads will all 
miss him.

                          ____________________