[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 134 (Thursday, December 7, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO JOHN ARTHUR THOMAS--80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2006

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today to recognize a 
highly valued citizen of my home city of Newark, New Jersey. John 
Arthur Thomas celebrates his 80th Birthday on December 6, 2006. He has 
been married for fifty four years to Elizabeth Lee Nowlin. In addition, 
he is the father of two wonderful daughters and grandfather of two 
grandsons and triplet granddaughters. He has dedicated his life, for 
almost five decades, to educational and political development 
throughout the state of New Jersey.
  Mr. Thomas, who is devoted to service, has established himself as an 
innovative member of his community. From marching with Rev. Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr. in the March on Washington to serving as Chairman of 
the Urban League of Hudson County, he has proven his dedication to 
service and leadership.
  One of his leadership positions, that had a profound impact in my 
development during my high school years, was as the assistant football 
coach in Newark, New Jersey. Continuing with his commitment to sports, 
he currently serves as co-chair in the Newark Athlete Hall of Fame 
Annual Dinner held in Newark.
  In the 60's Mr. Thomas was the founder of the ``Crispus Attucks Day 
Parade'' celebrating Black History.
  The parade is currently titled, ``The African American Black Heritage 
Day Parade'' and is the largest African American heritage parade in the 
state.
  Mr. Speaker, I invite my colleagues here in the U.S. House of 
Representatives to join me in honoring John Arthur Thomas, who becomes 
80 years young on December 6, 2006, for his tireless work for the 
Newark community. He is a paragon of true virtue through his selfless 
dedication to the betterment of others. I am proud to have him in my 
Congressional district and wish him never-ending success in his future 
endeavors.

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