[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF EARL MACPHERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GREG WALDEN

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 28, 2005

  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise to pay special 
tribute to the life and spirit of an outstanding community leader, Mr. 
Earl MacPherson. Earl passed away on July 10, 2005, at his home in 
Medford, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Lyn; daughters, Laura and 
Adrienne; son, Ronald; and step-son, Robert. On behalf of the 
constituents of Oregon's Second Congressional District, my family, and 
myself, I offer deepest condolences to his family for their loss.
  Earl's passing, after a life replete with civic accomplishments, 
concludes a remarkable string of military and volunteer service that 
set a commendable standard for other leaders and volunteers to follow. 
His legacy and contributions to southern Oregon veterans and seniors 
will live on for generations to come.
  With service in the United States Marine Corps, the Oregon Army 
National Guard and the Oregon State Defense Force, Earl dedicated 50 
years of service in defense of our Nation during World War II, the 
Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1944, following the Battle of Saipan, he 
received the Purple Heart medal for wounds sustained during an enemy 
grenade attack.
  Ever the warrior, Earl spent the past 30 years championing the causes 
of, and lending his voice to, his fellow veterans. He was the founder 
and chairman of the Jackson County Allied Veterans Council, organized 
and started Medford's annual Veterans' Day parade and was instrumental 
in establishing the annual Southern Oregon Stand-down event to aid 
homeless veterans. In addition, Earl was an active member of some 
fifteen different veterans' organizations, including his beloved Marine 
Corps League. Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to list all of his 
accomplishments as a volunteer. In fact, I last had the pleasure of 
seeing Earl at the dedication of the Medford Veterans Park Memorial, a 
fitting final project for an unparallel veterans' advocate.
  Earl's focus on community involvement extended beyond veterans' 
concerns. Since 1991, he had served on the Board of Directors of the 
Medford Senior Center. Under his guidance, this vitally important 
facility became a well spring for the mental, physical, and social 
health of thousands of Jackson County seniors.
  Samuel Logan Brengle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, 
once spoke the following words that reflect Earl's character and life. 
He said, ``The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an 
iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office he has held, 
but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and 
heart.'' Indeed, Earl MacPherson has exemplified these ideals through 
his service, sacrifice and commitment to his country and his community.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

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