[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO DR. GEORGE E. LINDSAY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2002

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Dr. George E. 
Lindsay, who helped generations of Californians to appreciate the 
splendor and the mystery of their natural world.
  Dr. Lindsay died this summer at 85 years old.
  Dr. Lindsay held many titles throughout his long and notable career. 
He was a highly decorated World War II veteran, a botanist and 
biologist. He was an expert on the natural life of Baja, California, on 
succulent plants and on dolphins and whales of the Pacific Ocean.
  More formally, he was the director of San Diego Museum of Natural 
History, and, from 1963 to 1982, the executive director of the 
California Academy of Sciences.
  But I think the title he would most appreciate would be one that does 
not appear on his resume. First and foremost, George Lindsay was a 
teacher.
  His method of instruction was indirect, but far-reaching. The goal of 
his lessons was to impart not only knowledge, but respect for our 
natural heritage and a commitment to conservation and stewardship.
  Under his watch, the Academy of Sciences, which is located in San 
Francisco's beautiful Golden Gate Park, grew into one of the largest 
natural history museums in the world, known for its enthralling and 
informative exhibits.
  Among his many projects was the renowned fish roundabout, which since 
1977 has fascinated and amazed visiting children by bringing them as 
close as humanly possible to the strange and wonderful world of the 
ocean.
  As head of the Academy, he oversaw the creation of the dramatic 
entranceway, in which visitors are greeted by a massive dinosaur 
skeleton. And with his wife, Geraldine, he launched a docent program 
that offered members of the community in-depth lessons in natural 
history which they then passed on to others as museum guides.
  Perhaps Dr. Lindsay's greatest lesson was taught to Charles 
Lindbergh, the famed flyer who joined him and other naturalists on a 
scientific expedition to the Islands of the Sea of Corte in 1973.
  Lindbergh was already a committed naturalist by that time, and he was 
overwhelmed by the beauty and fragility of the islands Lindsay showed 
him.
  Lindbergh then used his immense fame and popularity to spread the 
word and development of awareness of the need to protect the islands of 
the Sea of Corte and the Pacific Islands of Mexico and California.
  Four years after Lindbergh's death, a decree was issued protecting 
all of the islands of the Gulf of California.
  Dr. Lindsay has credited Lindbergh's intervention for that move, 
which saved the immense natural beauty of the Sea of Corte from 
destruction and development.
  And certainly some credit is due. But a great teacher stands behind 
every great student. On that trip, more than 30 years ago, George 
Lindsay did for Charles Lindbergh what he has done for millions of 
visitors to the magical city of San Francisco. He opened a student's 
eyes to the world around us.

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