[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 54 (Thursday, April 3, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY SHANNON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. TAMMY BALDWIN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Ms. BALDWIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dorothy 
Shannon, one of Wisconsin's most passionate progressive leaders and a 
model of civic activism. For over 50 years, Dorothy Shannon was on the 
front line of every Federal and State election in Wisconsin. She was a 
tireless supporter of progressive causes. Everyone who knew her 
remembers her fondly and she will be greatly missed.
  Dorothy Shannon was born in Toledo, OH in 1918. Her father worked for 
the National Supply Company in charge of the shipping department. But 
when the great depression hit, he was among the millions of Americans 
who found themselves without a job. After enduring many hard years, 
Dorothy was given hope with the election of President Roosevelt. Her 
father found work with Roosevelt's Public Works Administration turning 
a landfill into a public park. As the nation listened to Roosevelt's 
``fireside chats,'' Dorothy's political fire was kindled.
  In 1936, Dorothy went to college on another of Roosevelt's creations, 
a National Youth Administration Scholarship. During World War II she 
volunteered for the Navy's Women Appointed for Voluntary Emergency 
Service. After serving our country, she attended graduate school at 
Yale, where she met Ted Shannon, who would later become her husband.
  The Shannons moved to Madison in 1950 when Ted found a job with the 
University of Wisconsin. They played a key role in shaping the modern 
day Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Even while raising three children, 
Dorothy never stopped volunteering. Whether marching at a peace rally 
or attending a League of Women Voters event, she was recognized 
everywhere as a passionate voice for progressive Democrats. In 2000, 
she was honored as the oldest delegate to the Democratic National 
Convention.
  When I close my eyes, I can see Dorothy Shannon sitting in the front 
row of nearly every political debate, every community forum, and every 
Democratic Party event. She cared so deeply about public affairs--
whether they involved local or global issues. If ever there was an 
embodiment of civic participation, it was Dorothy Shannon.

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