[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 119 (Monday, August 3, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S8678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COMMENDING RICHARD ``DICK'' PEMBROKE

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to salute Richard ``Dick'' 
Pembroke, of North Bennington, VT, for his years of service and 
dedication to the State of Vermont.
  Dick has been chosen as this year's honoree at the fourth annual 
Living History Day that will be held August 9, 2009. Dick's friends and 
family will pay tribute to him in downtown Bennington, for his many 
achievements and contributions to Bennington and to the State of 
Vermont.
  I have had the good fortune to have known Dick for many years. Born 
and raised on a family farm in my hometown of Montpelier, Dick and I 
also share St. Michaels College in Vermont as our alma mater. He is a 
good friend and I am delighted for him and the recognition that he is 
being given.
  In honor of Dick Pembroke, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the 
Bennington Banner's story, ``Pembroke will be honored August 9 as 
`Living History,' '' be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

              [From the Bennington Banner, July 23, 2009]

        Pembroke will be honored August 9 as ``Living History''

       North Bennington.--Richard ``Dick'' Pembroke of Harrington 
     Road will be this year's honoree for the fourth annual Living 
     History Day to be held on Aug. 9 in front of Powers Market.
       A different resident is chosen each year to be recognized 
     for their achievements and contribution in shaping the local 
     community. The two-hour event offers others a venue to share 
     stories about the honoree and enjoy time with neighbors and 
     friends. In addition to stories, there will be music, Kevin's 
     hot dogs and much more. The event takes place from noon to 2 
     p.m., is free and open to all ages.
       Pembroke has lived a spiritually rich and diversified 
     private and public life. He was the eldest of four children, 
     born and raised in Vermont on the family farm in Montpelier. 
     He attended St. Michael's College in Winooski and 
     subsequently served in the Navy during the Korean War and 
     afterward, from 1951 to 1955. He met and married his wife, 
     MaryAnn, while stationed in Pensacola, Fla. Upon returning to 
     Vermont a short time later, he was employed at the First 
     National Grocery Store Corp.
       Pembroke managed several stores before opening one in 
     Bennington in 1962. His love of horticulture and the outdoors 
     was insatiable. To fulfill this passion, he began a 
     landscaping business on the side, which gradually grew. In 
     1973, he left the grocery business and directed his full 
     attention to Pembroke Landscaping.
       Being the father of one daughter and three sons kept him 
     busy and involved with loyal education. Pembroke coached 
     Little League and helped to construct the local Little League 
     park. He was also a member of the Mount Anthony Union High 
     School Booster Club from 1973 to 1980 as well as other school 
     organizations. Pembroke joined the Lions Club in 1957 and was 
     involved with building the current Lions Field. He was a 
     member of the University of Vermont board from 1980 to 1986, 
     director for the American Red Cross and a member of the 
     Knights of Columbus since 1963. He served on the Bennington 
     Zoning Board of Adjustment from 1975 to 1987 and was chairman 
     for 11 years.
       In 1986, he discovered another avenue of public service 
     that suited him quite well: He was elected to the Vermont 
     House of Representatives, where he was chairman of the House 
     Transportation Committee for 12 of the 16 years he served. He 
     championed the construction of Route 279 in and around 
     Bennington and worked diligently on many infrastructure 
     projects related to safety and economic development.
       In 2006, he was voted chamber of commerce person of the 
     year. ``Retirement'' is not a word in Pembroke's vocabulary. 
     He continues to keep a foot in the door of Pembroke 
     Landscaping and currently sits on the State Environmental 
     board as well as trustee/director of the Southwestern Vermont 
     Medical Center.

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