[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            A TRIBUTE TO THE LATE EDITH BRISKER VILLASTRIGO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness and deep 
respect in paying tribute to a woman with the courage to envision a 
peaceful world. Mrs. Edith Brisker Villastrigo passed away on Sunday, 
August 26, 2001, in Silver Spring, MD.
  Mrs. Villastrigo's commitment and dedication to peace in the world, 
as well as to other issues affecting women spanned for more than four 
decades.
  Mrs. Villastrigo immigrated to the United States from Gomel, Russia, 
in the 1920s. Her long record of activism began with union organizing 
in Chicago, Illinois, and Pittsburgh, PA.
  A visionary and advocate for peace, Mrs. Villastrigo helped lead the 
Women Strike for Peace organization, opposed the Vietnam War and 
challenged the Nixon administration and its policies by protesting at 
the Washington Monument.
  In the 1980s, she fought for peace on an even broader scale, helping 
to lead protests against Star Wars and nuclear proliferation. Her 
passion inspired us all.
  Mrs. Villastrigo's death represents a tremendous loss to the peace 
community as well to her family, friends, admirers, and supporters. But 
as we mourn her death, we also remember the legacy of hope and 
inspiration Edith left behind as a true leader and voice for peace.
  Her passion and mission for peace show us how one person's vision, 
dreams and actions can inspire and make a difference for all who seek 
peace in the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the 
late Mrs. Villastrigo's children, her sister, her grandchildren, her 
friends and supporters throughout the world.
  To Mrs. Villastrigo--may the world receive the love, peace, and 
compassion you gave it. God Bless.

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