[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 128 (Tuesday, November 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2030]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    TRIBUTE TO E. RONALD DURAND, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 14, 2006

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to 
E. Ronald Durand, Jr., a longtime friend and true patriot who passed 
away on September 20, 2006.
  I first met Ron Durand in the late 1960s when we were both students 
at the University of Notre Dame Law School. Ron had entered law school 
after serving 6 years in the United States Marine Corps. Rising to the 
rank of captain, Ron's service included a tour of duty as a helicopter 
pilot in Vietnam, where he was highly decorated and flew many rescue 
missions.
  During our time together in law school Ron was a true leader--soft-
spoken but strong. He and his wife Liz were close friends to me and my 
wife Rosemary and we remained in contact in the years that followed. 
During his professional career, Ron achieved much as an entrepreneur 
and as an airport executive. He was a true renaissance man.
  With all his varied accomplishments, Ron Durand was first and 
foremost a true American patriot, exemplified by his heroic service in 
Vietnam. Ron's love of country, however, went beyond his military duty. 
He truly cared about our country and always maintained an acute and 
detailed knowledge, awareness and interest in national and 
international matters.
  Ron Durand was admired, respected and loved by all who had the 
privilege of knowing him. It is fitting and appropriate that he will be 
interred at Arlington National Cemetery with military honors on 
November 22. No one is more deserving.
  May he rest in peace. Go Irish.

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