[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 165 (Friday, November 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2743]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO LEONARD HAGGERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SANDER M. LEVIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 6, 2009

  Mr. LEVIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true 
American hero, an exemplary human being, find yet another wonderful 
example of the ``Greatest Generation'' and the story of our Nation. The 
life of Leonard Haggerty is filled with heroic moments, major 
milestones, compelling stories and noteworthy achievements. Leonard 
Haggerty was a friend and colleague in public service and I am honored 
to pay tribute to him on the floor of the U.S. House of 
Representatives.
  Leonard Haggerty was born June 23, 1920, in Quebec, Canada. As a 
young man with two children and another on the way, Leonard Haggerty 
was called into the service of his country during World War II. 
Throughout his life, Leonard was modestly quiet about his military 
accomplishments during World War II. When presented with a resolution 
of accomplishment upon his retirement in December 2008 at the age of 
88, Leonard's co-workers on the county board were in awe to learn of 
his distinguished military career. Leonard Haggerty earned two Battle 
Stars in the European Theater as an Army infantryman; participated in 
intense fighting during the Battle of the Bulge; served with a 
detachment that liberated Dachau; and spent time as a personal 
bodyguard for General George S. Patton.
  Leonard Haggerty began his long and successful career in public 
service in 1958, when he was appointed village commissioner of 
Roseville. Once Roseville became a city later that same year, he became 
a councilman. He served in that capacity until 1975, when he was 
elected mayor, a position he held until his retirement in 1981. In 
1998, Mr. Haggerty came out of retirement in Florida and returned to 
Michigan to represent District 21 on the Macomb County Board of 
Commissioners, where he served until last year.
  Leonard Haggerty was the heart and soul of the city of Roseville. He 
served his community with such active devotion and became a mentor to 
numerous individuals who followed in his footsteps. So many have come 
forward to highlight the impact Leonard had on their lives over the 
years, remembering his service, his graciousness to everyone around him 
and crediting him with getting them involved in public service or civic 
activity.
  Leonard Haggerty was joyful, and anyone that has ever met him would 
comment about his smile, his dapper dress, and his truly kind and 
caring nature. He could tell a story and truly enjoyed the playful 
moments that made up his persona. For example, in 2003, he famously 
came to the assistance of an elderly constituent who called him saying 
that she was snowed in. Leonard, who described himself at the time as 
``83\1/2\ years old,'' arrived alone with a snow shovel in hand and 
cleared the 82-year-old woman's sidewalk and driveway, including a 2-
foot snow drift, in about an hour. In 2004, Leonard made national news 
when he faced a Republican challenger in the fall election who was 92 
years old. Leonard, jokingly ran on the slogan, ``Vote for the kid.''
  These stories and so many other warm and inspirational memories were 
captured by family members, friends and the Homily of Father Michael 
Donovan.
  Leonard Haggerty was the beloved husband of Jan, whom each and every 
one of us also calls a dear friend. Leonard and Jan were true partners 
in every sense of the word through their family, their community and 
their careers in public service. Leonard was the loving father of 
Patricia (Joseph) Boris, Shirlee (Robert) Kipp, James (Kathy) Haggerty, 
Kelly (Roger) Gaines and the late Michael Haggerty and grandfather of 
eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
  The awards have been numerous over the course of Leonard's career and 
in recent years his colleagues have joined together to enshrine his 
name on major achievements like the Leonard Haggerty Beautification 
Awards.
  It will be his personal charisma and the way in which he took time to 
make those around him feel good that will be remembered by most. He 
will serve in the personal Hall of Fame of so many of us. For this 
institution of Congress, it is important to recognize the achievements 
of a true American hero that fought for his country, served his 
community and made Roseville, Macomb County, the State of Michigan and 
the world a better place.
  I am honored to have walked with Leonard during part of his 
incredible journey, and I ask my colleagues to join me in paying to 
tribute to the truly remarkable life of Leonard Haggerty.

                          ____________________