[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 136 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING MR. GEORGE MARTIN FOR HIS LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PEACE AND 
                                JUSTICE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GWEN MOORE

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 27, 2006

  Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
my constituent, Mr. George Paz Martin, a longtime activist, community 
leader and cherished friend who is being honored this month with the 
Lifetime Peacemaker Award by the Wisconsin Network for Peace and 
Justice. I can think of no more appropriate recipient for this award. 
Throughout his life, Mr. Martin has exhibited tireless activism, a 
limitless command of skills and approaches, and a relentless pursuit of 
justice and peace.
  There is scarcely a social justice issue on which George Martin has 
not served a crucial leadership role. Coming of age in the civil rights 
movement, he fought for equality and desegregation in housing, 
education, and employment, among other things. He has served numerous 
organizations that provide community development and services for 
housing, healthcare, and economic development. An internationally 
renowned peace activist and Green Party leader, he is also extremely 
involved in local efforts to address the needs of the veterans' 
community.
  Not only do his social justice interests know no bounds, but his 
combination of skills and approaches to the pursuit of justice make him 
a relentless champion. Having worked in the corporate world, he 
understands the utility of marketing and promotions in broadening the 
peace movement. He has built local, national and international 
coalitions against violence within neighborhoods and among nations. He 
is a highly sought-after public speaker, who has participated in nearly 
every major peace rally since the invasion of Iraq. He has traveled 
throughout the world building relationships with other peace movements, 
and serving as a witness to the devastation caused by war and violence.
  Finally, Mr. Martin demonstrates seemingly limitless personal 
commitment. He brings care and compassion to every struggle. It is the 
hallmark of his style that he has crafted a movement against the Iraq 
war that takes account of the humanity of everyone involved, including 
those involved in the fighting, the policymakers, the peace leaders and 
those who support the war.
  I am indebted to George for his expertise, his friendship, and the 
example of his leadership and I am honored to have this opportunity to 
thank him for his lifelong commitment to equality, peace, non-violence 
and justice.

                          ____________________