[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 103 (Monday, July 14, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO GERALD V. PIERARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 14, 2003

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of my 
friend and constituent, Gerald V. Pierard, the Mayor of the Village of 
Coal City, whose untimely death occurred on July 9, 2003.
  A native of Coal City and graduate of Coal City High School, Mayor 
Pierard spent much of his adult life serving the citizens of Coal City. 
Serving a term as Commissioner and then 2 terms as Mayor, the citizens 
of Coal City displayed their esteem for Mayor Pierard by reelecting 
without opposition earlier this year to yet another term as their 
Mayor.
  Mayor Pierard also served his country as an officer and fighter pilot 
in the United States Air Force. He will rest with honor in the Abraham 
Lincoln National Cemetery.
  After his graduation from the University of Illinois and military 
service, Mayor Pierard returned to the community he loved and began his 
career of service to Coal City. Largely because of his strong 
leadership, the Village of Coal City is today well positioned for 
future growth and prosperity. Displaying great vision, Mayor Pierard 
expanded the boundaries of Coal City and made major infrastructure 
improvements such as new streets, a new water system and a new sewage 
treatment system his priorities. The citizens of Coal City and their 
families will clearly benefit from the new jobs and higher standard of 
living which will come about as the result of Mayor Pierard's 
dedication to his home town.
  I am proud to recognize Mayor Gerald V. Pierard as a veteran, family 
man and progressive community leader--a truly fine example of an 
outstanding American citizen.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize outstanding 
citizens in their own districts whose actions have so strongly 
benefitted and strengthened their communities and our great Nation.

                          ____________________