[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 36 (Tuesday, March 28, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO DR. HERMAN ASH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great man, 
a great American, and a great friend of mine, Dr. Herman Ash, who 
passed away in Saugerties, New York at the age of 96 earlier this 
month. I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Ash for most of my life, 
since he treated me for a football injury in high school.
  After fleeing Germany in 1937, Dr. Ash and his wife, also a doctor, 
settled in Saugerties and opened a medical practice. What many will 
remember most about Dr. Herman Ash, in addition to his medical 
practice, was his love of music. Dr. Ash was an accomplished pianist 
and violinist and enriched the small town of Saugerties with music that 
he played, composed, and taught. In addition to his own musical 
talents, he brought the Saugerties Pro Musica to town in 1995. This 
organization continues to host regular performances each year.
  Not only was Dr. Ash's service to his community commendable, he was a 
true American. Endeared to the country that gave him refuge in 1937, 
Dr. Ash joined the U.S. Army and served as a captain in the European 
Theater of Operations during World War II. He was also a member of the 
Lamouree-Hackett Post #72 American Legion for over 60 years, most of 
which he served as the Post's medical officer.
  Dr. Herman Ash's commitment to service to his community is something 
to be celebrated. Over his lifetime he tutored young musicians in 
Saugerties, was a literacy volunteer, taught English as a Second 
Language classes, volunteered for the Heart Association, the Leukemia & 
Lymphoma Society and the Juvenile Diabetes Association, a cause near 
and dear to my own heart.
  Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation felt by those 
whose lives, including my own, Dr. Ash touched. The world would be a. 
much better place if everyone gave back to others just a fraction of 
what Dr. Ash gave throughout his life. My thoughts and prayers remain 
with the family and friends of this great man.

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