[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 97 (Thursday, June 12, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1224]]
                      TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARIE HERBST

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2008

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Marie 
Herbst on retirement after more than thirty-seven years of service to 
the citizens of East Windsor Connecticut as a State Senator, Mayor, 
Town Councilwoman, teacher, mother, wife, and role model.
  Marie has been inspiring and leading people from the East Windsor/
Vernon area of Connecticut for her entire lifetime. Beginning as one of 
the most dedicated citizens of Vernon, she stood as an activist for her 
town's needs in the area of education. This commitment to the Vernon 
area was not limited to simple activism, as Marie saw the need to serve 
her constituents locally to ensure that her neighbors' voices were 
heard.
  She was elected to the Board of Education, Town Council, and as Mayor 
of Vernon, and for over eight years as a State Senator representing her 
friends and neighbors in Hartford. She demonstrated further dedication 
to her fellow citizens after she left the Connecticut General Assembly 
to resume her position on the Town Council. In many ways, her return to 
local government was similar to former President John Quincy Adams 
decision to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives after leaving 
the White House.
  As important as her loyalty to the citizens of East Windsor and 
Vernon were as a public servant, deeper than any other commitment was 
her passion for education. Offering her skills and dedication outside 
of her sizable family, Marie served honorably for over 37 years as an 
educator attesting to her selflessness and passion for the well-being 
of East Windsor, Connecticut's schoolchildren, both present and future. 
Countless students over that time have been inspired by Marie's passion 
and skill as a teacher and gone on to succeed in adult life. Marie was 
active to the last moment, even taking time to offer words of enduring 
wisdom to the recent graduates of East Windsor High School as the 
school's graduation speaker.
  I ask that you please join with me in congratulating and 
commemorating the dedication and career of Mrs. Marie Herbst, a truly 
concerned, selfless citizen of eastern Connecticut.

                          ____________________