[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 133 (Thursday, November 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2041]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE MEMORY OF THE HON. JOSEPH N. LANGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, the city of Mobile, Alabama, and indeed the 
entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I 
rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.
  Mayor Joseph N. Langan was a devoted family man and dedicated public 
servant throughout his entire life. In 1939, at the age of 27, he 
entered the field of politics, serving for 6 years in the Alabama House 
of Representatives. He later served from 1947 to 1951 in the Alabama 
State Senate. From 1953 to 1969, he served as a Mobile city 
commissioner, including several terms as mayor at a time when the city 
was governed by a three-member commission. Mayor Langan enjoyed a very 
successful career as mayor and was known particularly for his efforts 
to expand the size of the city. As a result of his efforts, the city 
expanded its westward boundaries and grew in size from an area of 
approximately 33 square miles to an area of over 160 square miles.
  During his time in both local and State government, Mayor Langan 
developed a strong reputation as a leader who felt duty-bound to do his 
part in the strengthening of relations between the black and white 
communities in Mobile and throughout the State of Alabama. In spite of 
progressive policies that led to strong public outrage and the end of 
his careers in both the State legislature and city hall, Mayor Langan 
dedicated himself to assisting the members of the African-American 
community in their efforts to advance their causes. During his tenure 
in the State legislature, he argued for equal pay for both black and 
white public school teachers. Additionally, during his service as 
mayor, Mayor Langan was an important part of keeping the community calm 
at a time when racial riots and crimes were tearing apart Alabama and 
much of the South. His strong and enduring relationship with Alabama 
civil rights activist John LeFlore was crucial to maintaining this 
calm.
  Mayor Langan, a graduate of both Murphy High School and Spring Hill 
College in Mobile, Alabama, was also a proud veteran of the United 
States Army, serving during both World War II and the Korean conflict. 
Later in his military career, he held the rank of general and served as 
commander of the Army National Guard's 31st Infantry Division.
  In addition to both his public and military careers, Mayor Langan 
found time to become actively involved in many community and charitable 
organizations. He served as a member of the Spring Hill College Board 
of Trustees and of the University of South Alabama Foundation. He was 
recognized for his community service and charitable work with the 1957 
Mobilian of the Year award.
  This sad time for so many in the Mobile community has also given many 
of Mayor Langan's colleagues and friends the opportunity to remember 
him and recognize the many accomplishments of his career. Alabama State 
Senator Vivian Figures say, ``He was always for government being 
sensitive and inclusive to all citizens .  .  . He was a real gentleman 
of distinction.'' Former Mobile city clerk Richard Smith said, ``He 
wanted to serve, and he served well. He had vision, he had brains, he 
had leadership.'' And without fail, many in the Mobile community will 
remember Mayor Langan as one of the finest mayors and public servants 
to have ever worked on behalf of their city.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a 
dedicated public servant and friend to many in Mobile, Alabama. Mayor 
Langan will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Maude Adelle 
Langan, and his brother, John C. Langan, and his many nephews and other 
family members--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our 
thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

                          ____________________