[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1162]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


   ON THE PASSING OF BOWIE CITY COUNCILMAN WILLIAM AUGUSTUS ALESHIRE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 24, 2007

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to mark the 
passing of a man that meant a great deal to the people of Maryland's 
Fifth Congressional District--16-year Bowie City Council veteran, 
William Augustus Aleshire.
  Bill's life was one of service. He served his country in the Air 
Force through two tours in Vietnam. He served his neighbors as a 
Washington, DC, police officer for more than 20 years. And he served 
his community as a member of the Bowie City Council--and more 
significantly, as an impassioned leader who always thought of others 
before thinking of himself.
  Bill was a man that truly understood what public service is all 
about. Those who knew him best know that he had a fondness for 
costumes. At Christmas, he made appearances throughout the city of 
Bowie as Santa Claus. At Easter, he visited local parks and hospitals 
as the Easter Bunny. And he even made public appearances as ``McGruff 
the Crime Dog'' to help keep Bowie's children on the right track.
  I always thought of Bill as a partner in our shared pursuit to 
enhance the quality of life in the city of Bowie--and I know that his 
boisterous personality and impeccable character will be profoundly 
missed throughout all of Prince George's County, Maryland.
  My condolences--and those of a grateful community--go out to Bill's 
wife, Clara, to his daughter, Emily, and to everyone whose life was 
touched by William Augustus Aleshire during this most difficult of 
times.

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