[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 88 (Monday, July 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO SONNY DOLCI

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2006

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to share 
with my colleagues the passing of Sonny Dolci. Most Members of the 
House never met Sonny Dolci. But everyone has a Sonny Dolci in their 
congressional district.
  Sonny Dolci was a veterans' leader in Northport, Long Island. He died 
3 days before Independence Day. And he had a special link to that day. 
Because he embodied the finest qualities of great Americans who refused 
to say `no' when it came to their country or their community.
  When the veterans of Northport wanted to build a new facility, Sonny 
Dolci said, ``Give me the shovel.''
  When community leaders wanted to organize a celebration of Northport, 
Sonny helped lead what is today one of the largest festivals on Long 
Island: Cow Harbor Day.
  When a Korean War memorial was planned, Sonny traveled to eastern 
Long Island, and climbed amongst the rocks to find the perfect facing.
  Sonny would not take no for an answer.
  That is really what Independence Day is about: the Americans who 
refused to say no when faced with challenge.
  Two hundred thirty years ago, George Washington found himself 
surrounded in NY by the most powerful Navy on earth. He didn't give in, 
he kept up the fight for independence. And we replaced foreign monarchy 
with American democracy.
  One hundred fourty years ago, Abraham Lincoln lost battle after 
battle for American unity. He didn't give up. He kept fighting until we 
replaced slavery with liberty.
  And 60 years ago, men like Sonny Dolci left their homes for World War 
II and then Korea. They refused to say no to defeating tyranny and 
totalitarianism.
  They came home, and looked at the moon. And when President Kennedy 
said we could even defeat the distance of space, they said, ``Let's 
go''.
  That determination and spirit made us the country we are today. They 
wouldn't take no for an answer. And neither should we.
  The threat today is our reliance on foreign oil. Our generation needs 
a Declaration of Energy Independence. If we can beat the British, 
defeat slavery, triumph in World War II and land Americans on the moon, 
we can design vehicles that get more than 40 miles per gallon. That is 
today's challenge.
  Sonny Dolci never said ``It's too hard'' when it came to the safety 
and security of his country, his community, his comrades, or his 
children.
  And as long as his spirit and fortitude lives in each of us, we will 
give the next generation of children the peace and security that Sonny 
fought and worked to give us.
  And that is the greatest legacy of all.

                          ____________________