[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 25 (Monday, March 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S2147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JOHN ``RED'' BOURG

 Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Mr. John ``Red'' Bourg, who passed away last October. Red Bourg served 
his family, his State and his country well, and deserves the 
recognition of this body.
  Red was a devout Christian, and he made a wonderful home in Baton 
Rouge with his wife Mildred and their two children, Brenda and Ronnie. 
Red loved and cared for the people of the State of Louisiana and the 
United States, and worked to improve their quality of life until the 
day he died.
  In addition to being a great family man, Red Bourg served our country 
in peace and in war. As a young man, he joined the United States Marine 
Corps and fought in the Korean War, serving with honor and distinction. 
Years after returning, Red was selected to become the Louisiana State 
Commander of the Marine Corps League, an impressive honor, for an 
equally impressive person.
  However, Red was best known for his work with the Louisiana AFL-CIO. 
He worked his way up the union ladder, beginning as a member of the 
Local 995 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and climbing 
all the way to become the president of the Louisiana AFL-CIO. Red 
joined the staff at the AFL-CIO in 1967, becoming the assistant to the 
president and in 1997, some 30 years later, he became President of that 
great organization. I think that says a lot about the hard work and 
determination of the man.
  I once again honor my friend, Mr. John ``Red'' Bourg, for his efforts 
on Louisiana's behalf. I knew Red my entire adult life and can attest 
that he is truly missed. I know I speak for many others when I say that 
Red Bourg will always be fondly remembered for the outstanding service 
he has rendered to his State and his Nation.

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