[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 13, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT SALUTES FATHER ROBERT DRINAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BARNEY FRANK

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 13, 2007

  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, last week, several of my 
colleagues and I memorialized the life and record of the late Father 
Robert Drinan, one of the most distinguished people to have served in 
this body. Father Drinan's political career began in 1970 when he ran 
for Congress as an opponent of American participation in the Vietnam 
War. He was a consistent fighter for peace throughout his life. When I 
returned to my district last weekend, I received from Father Drinan's 
sister-in-law, Helen Drinan, a woman who played a very important role 
in nurturing his political career, a copy of a letter she had received 
that meant a great deal to her and the Drinan family.
  The letter is from the Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, 
hailing Father Drinan ``as a tenacious advocate for social justice and 
a resilient fighter for peace.'' Madam Speaker, I ask that this letter 
from the Government of Vietnam to the Drinan family be printed here.


                                           Embassy of Vietnam,

                                 Washington, DC, January 31, 2007.
     Mrs. Helen Drinan,
     Newton, MA.
       Dear Mrs. Drinan, On behalf of the people and Government of 
     Vietnam, I would like to extend the most profound condolences 
     to you and to your family on the passing of your brother-in-
     law, Father and Congressman Robert F. Drinan.
       Father Robert F. Drinan will be always remembered by many 
     as a tenacious advocate for social justice and a resilient 
     fighter for peace. For the Vietnamese people, he will remain 
     a staunch fighter who made significant contribution to ending 
     to the Vietnam War in the 1970s, thus bringing peace to the 
     country after so many decades of wars.
       May your family overcome this most difficult time.
           Respectfully,
                                                 Nguyen Tam Chien,
     Ambassador.

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