[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 108 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1607]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SENATOR HIRAM FONG

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. DAVID WU

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 13, 2004

  Mr. WU. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor our friend and colleague, 
Senator Hiram Fong. Even though I did not serve with Mr. Fong, I 
admired his leadership in the Asian American community.
  Senator Fong was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 15, 1906. He was 
one of 11 children born to Chinese parents. His work ethic was a good 
example to all that aspire to be successful. At the age of 4, Hiram 
caught and sold fish to contribute to his family. He worked hard as a 
shoeshine boy and sold newspapers when he was 7. Hiram attended 
Honolulu's public schools and went on to continue his education at the 
University of Hawaii and Harvard Law School.
  Mr. Fong had a full public service career before he entered the 
United States Senate. He was a member of the Territorial House of 
Representatives where he would eventually gain many leadership roles. 
This helped him gain support for statehood of Hawaii among his many 
colleagues. He also served in the Army Air Corp when he took a short 
break from the Territorial House of Representatives. He eventually 
retired honorably as a colonel.
  The Senator is remembered for the many great things he did in 
Congress. He secured funding for the H-1 freeway which runs through 
Hawaii, established and nourished relationships between the United 
States and Asian and Pacific countries, and promoting civil rights by 
requiring auditors at polling sights to ensure minority voting rights.
  He was also known for working in a bi-partisan nature to obtain 
progress and policy for the citizens of our country. Hiram set an 
example for all who hold public office. Working with both sides of the 
aisle earned him a successful Senate record that many admire today.
  Hiram Fong was a hard working man that gave a great amount of public 
service to the great state of Hawaii and our country. He provided big 
shoes to fill, being the first Asian Pacific American to join the 
United States Senate. I admired his courage and willingness when he 
defended the civil rights of the APA community and worked on the 
Immigration Reform Act of 1965. His true leadership contributed to 
eliminating the immigration quotas for the Asian and Pacific countries.
  Senator Fong is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife Ellyn 
Lo. They had four children Hiram Jr., Rodney, Marvin, and Merie-Ellen.
  My deepest sympathies go out to his family during this time of 
remembrance. Senator Fong will be greatly missed and his service will 
never be forgotten.

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