[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 7 (Wednesday, January 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E68]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              BILL TO HONOR FORMER GOVERNOR LUIS A. FERRE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ANIBAL ACEVEDO-VILA

                             of puerto rico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2004

  Mr. ACEVEDO-VILA. Mr. Speaker, last October, the people of Puerto 
Rico lost a great man. Former Governor Luis A. Ferre was a visionary 
who dedicated his life to his country. As Governor from 1968 to 1972, 
he was a proponent of many projects that ensured great economic 
development for the island. To honor his life, today I am introducing 
legislation, as a companion to legislation introduced by Senator Rick 
Santorum in the Senate, to designate the Luis A. Ferre United States 
Courthouse and Post Office Building, located at 93 Atocha Street in 
Ponce, PR, as a tribute to his life and work.
  Former Governor Ferre was a brilliant politician, musician, 
businessman, and philanthropist who dedicated his life to serving his 
people and moving Puerto Rico forward. During his term as Governor, he 
created, among other things, the Environmental Quality Board, the 
Departments of Natural Resources and Housing, the Office of Youth 
Affairs, and the Tourism Company. Throughout his life, he also 
demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Puerto Rican culture and the 
arts by founding what is now the biggest newspaper in Puerto Rico and 
the Art Museum of Ponce.
  He was an extraordinary man whose efforts and endeavors gave luster 
to Puerto Rico and to his native city of Ponce. During his years in the 
public service, he demonstrated true commitment and dedication to his 
country and his city by initiating public works and creating projects 
that contributed to the modern and developed Puerto Rico that we enjoy 
today.
  His love for Puerto Rico and its people will live on forever in the 
hearts of all Puerto Ricans. Giving his name to the U.S. Courthouse and 
Post Office building in Ponce is a simple but long-lasting way to 
recognize his work and honor his life, and I ask you to join me in 
celebrating his life.

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