[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2039]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         HONORING ARTEMAS WARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Artemas 
Ward, a true American hero. Mr. Ward was a resident of Shrewsbury, 
Massachusetts during the colonial era. The Shrewsbury 275 Committee and 
the Shrewsbury Historical Society are honoring his 275th birthday on 
November 26, 2002.
  As my colleagues are aware, Mr. Ward was the first Commander-in-Chief 
of the Continental Army before George Washington was named to that 
post. Before leading the Continental Army, Mr. Ward was a colonel in 
the militia during the French and Indian War. During that war, Mr. Ward 
was recognized for his superior administrative skills. Like so many 
people in Massachusetts, Mr. Ward was an ardent anti-loyalist and was 
named Commander-in-Chief of the Massachusetts forces. In time, Mr. Ward 
became the highest-ranking major general in the 13 colonies. Following 
his retirement from the Continental Army in 1777, Mr. Ward went on to 
play a prominent roll in Massachusetts and American politics.
  Mr. Ward was a graduate of Harvard College. After he passed away, Mr. 
Ward's estate was known as the Ward Homestead and the town of 
Shrewsbury administered it. However, Harvard University now operates 
the Ward Homestead and it is known as the Ward Museum.
  Mr. Speaker, I am confident that the entire U.S. House of 
Representatives joins me in extending a birthday wish to Artemas Ward 
and the Town of Shrewsbury. Moreover, I ask that my colleagues join me 
in thanking Mr. Ward for his bravery, patriotism, and commitment to the 
ideals of the American Revolution.

                          ____________________