[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 29 (Tuesday, March 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E330]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO BLAIR CROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 2004

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the life of a dear 
friend and a great American. Blair Cross was a loving family man, a 
patriotic veteran, and a dedicated activist.
  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work closely with Blair 
and witnessed his tireless advocacy on behalf of Korean War veterans 
across the country. Specifically, Blair and I have been working on 
legislation that would grant the Korean War Veterans Association a 
Federal Charter, enabling the Association to expand its mission and 
further its charitable and benevolent causes.
  Blair was the Korean War Veterans Association's top advocate for this 
issue, and I am grateful for his activism, and the activism he 
encouraged among his fellow Korean War veterans.
  Mr. Cross's distinguished service did not go unnoticed. The Joint 
Veterans Committee of Maryland selected Blair to receive the honor of 
Veteran of the Year and he was to be recognized this April. Blair was 
chosen to receive this award from over 10,000 veterans throughout the 
State.
  Mr. Cross also helped in founding the Maryland Center for Veterans 
Education and Training. The Baltimore homeless shelter has aided 
thousands of veterans over the years.
  The community, the State, and the country have incurred a tremendous 
loss with Blair's passing. His advocacy and leadership on behalf of 
veterans in our State will long be remembered and I send my deepest 
sympathies to his wife Jane, daughter Sharon and Blair's family and 
friends.

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