[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING AMBASSADOR JEAN KENNEDY SMITH

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ambassador 
Jean Kennedy Smith, my aunt, upon being chosen as a recipient of the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom to be presented by President Obama at a 
ceremony in early 2011. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the 
country's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have 
made great contributions to U.S. security or world peace, or made other 
cultural or significant accomplishments. Aunt Jean's work with the arts 
and those with disabilities is simply unmatched.
  In 1974, Aunt Jean founded VSA, a non-profit, international 
organization affiliated with the John F. Kennedy Center that promotes 
the artistic talents of children, youth and adults with disabilities. 
VSA also provides education opportunities for people with disabilities 
and increases access to the arts for all. With 52 international 
affiliates and a network of nationwide affiliates, VSA is changing 
perceptions about people with disabilities around the world. Each year, 
7 million people of all ages and abilities participate in VSA programs, 
which cover all artistic genres.
  For 46 years, Aunt Jean has been a member of the Board of Trustees of 
the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, which provides grants to promote 
awareness and advocacy in the field of intellectual disabilities. Her 
book, Chronicles of Courage: Very Special Artists, written in 
collaboration with George Plimpton, was published by Random House in 
April 1993.
  President Clinton named Aunt Jean U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, where 
she played a pivotal role in the peace process from 1993 to 1998. She 
is the youngest daughter of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, my grandparents, 
and is the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Kennedy Center.
  I wish Aunt Jean all the best as she continues her important work on 
behalf of those with disabilities. She will continue to carry my own 
admiration, and that of all who have had the privilege to work with 
her.

                          ____________________