[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E48-E49]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO LUD E. WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 29, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I pay 
tribute to a local hero whose life-long pursuit of improving and 
enriching the lives of others is an inspiration to us all. Lud E. 
Washington recently died just short of both his 88th birthday and his 
50th wedding anniversary to his wife Marguerite, but his life was one 
of immense fulfillment and a source of endless joy for those who knew 
and loved him. As his family mourns the loss, I believe it is 
appropriate to remember Lud and pay tribute to him for his 
contributions to his community, his state and his country.
  Lud was a true pioneer who fought courageously to break down racial 
barriers and open doors for future generations of African-Americans and 
minorities. He gave his time and energy to those who needed him most. 
He began his career by running the all African-American Lincoln Home, 
which served as a boarding house for African-Americans of all ages who 
were in need of a caretaker and mentor. He dedicated his life to 
ensuring that no child grew up without the proper guidance, love, or 
care. Lud believed that he could, by offering his help to one child at 
a time, have a dramatic impact on an entire community.
  Lud was the first African-American foreman at the Pueblo Army Depot, 
breaking down barriers that enabled others who followed him to attain 
increasingly higher-ranking positions within the military. He, along 
with long-time friend Linc Wilson, led Pueblo's first and only all 
African-American Boy Scout Troop in the late 1940's, an undertaking 
that served as an indispensible resource for the young African-
Americans of the Pueblo community. By fostering a spirit of leadership, 
camaraderie and cooperation, the Troop helped provide the positive 
reinforcement that so many children had previously not been able to 
find elsewhere. Lud's efforts and courage in the face of long odds are 
a testament to his indestructible and benevolent human spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, we are all terribly saddened by the loss of Lud 
Washington, but take comfort in the knowledge that our grief is 
overshadowed only by the legacy of courage, selflessness and love that 
Lud left with all of us. His life is the very embodiment of all that 
makes this country great, and I am deeply honored to be able to bring 
the attention of this body of Congress to his life. Lud Washington will 
be deeply missed by his family, his friends and the entire community.

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