[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 41 (Thursday, March 13, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3750-S3751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 89--HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER GOVERNOR OF MINNESOTA 
ORVILLE L. FREEMAN, AND EXPRESSING THE DEEPEST CONDOLENCE OF THE SENATE 
                       TO HIS FAMILY ON HIS DEATH

  Mr. DAYTON (for himself and Mr. Coleman) submitted the following 
resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                               S. Res. 89

       Whereas the Senate has learned with sadness of the death of 
     former Governor of Minnesota Orville L. Freeman;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 
     greatly distinguished himself by his long commitment to 
     public service;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman, football star, student council 
     president, and Phi Beta Kappa honors student, graduated magna 
     cum laude from the University of Minnesota;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman, a Major in the Marine Corps, 
     served the United States with honor and distinction during 
     World War II, and was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds 
     associated with his heroism;
       Whereas the organizational leadership of Orville L. Freeman 
     helped build the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party into 
     a successful political party;
       Whereas, in 1954, Orville L. Freeman became the first 
     Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate to be elected Governor of 
     Minnesota;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman, elected to 3 consecutive terms 
     as Governor, advanced the concept of governance now known as 
     ``the Minnesota Consensus,'' which views government as a 
     positive force in the lives of citizens, and government 
     programs as investments in Minnesota's future;

[[Page S3751]]

       Whereas, during his service as Governor of Minnesota, 
     Orville L. Freeman increased State funding for education, 
     improved health and rehabilitation programs, expanded 
     conservation efforts, and achieved many other successes that 
     improved his State and the lives of its citizens;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman served as the Secretary of 
     Agriculture in the administrations of President John F. 
     Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson, during which service 
     he initiated global food assistance programs and developed 
     the domestic food stamp and school breakfast programs;
       Whereas, in addition to his outstanding public service, 
     Orville L. Freeman was also a successful international lawyer 
     and business executive;
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman was a devoted husband to his 
     wife, Jane, for 62 years, a loving father to two exceptional 
     children, Constance and Michael, and a proud grandfather to 
     three talented grandchildren, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and 
     Matthew; and
       Whereas Orville L. Freeman led a life that was remarkable 
     for its breadth of pursuits, multitude of accomplishments, 
     standards of excellence, dedication to public service, and 
     important contributions to the improvement of his country and 
     the lives of his fellow citizens: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the United States Senate--
       (1) pays tribute to the outstanding career and devoted work 
     of the great Minnesota and national leader, Orville L. 
     Freeman;
       (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the family of 
     Orville L. Freeman on his death; and
       (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit an 
     enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of Orville L. 
     Freeman.

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