[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 26 (Thursday, February 17, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S862-S863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO AMBASSADOR RAYMOND L. FLYNN

  Mr. BROWN of Massachusetts. Mr. President, today I rise to honor 
Ambassador Raymond L. Flynn in recognition of the retirement of his 
basketball jersey at his alma mater, Providence College. On Saturday 
night, the Friars will pay tribute to Ambassador Flynn, a 1963 graduate 
of the college. Ambassador Flynn is one of the greatest backcourt 
players in the storied history of the Providence College basketball 
program. Over his 82-game career, the Ambassador scored 1,025 points. 
Prior to the Friars' game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at the 
Dunkin' Donuts Center on Saturday, the college will unveil a banner 
bearing Ambassador Flynn's No. 14 jersey hanging from the rafters.
  A longtime South Boston resident, Ambassador Flynn compiled an 
impressive list of achievements during his time as a Providence Friar, 
including two National Invitation Tournament championships in 1961 and 
1963. He earned the Most Valuable Player award for his performance in 
the 1963 tournament. During his junior season, Ambassador Flynn 
averaged 12.8 points per game and received All-East honors. A skilled 
outside shooter, the Ambassador increased his average to 18.9 points 
per game during his senior year, meriting his second All-East 
distinction, an All-New England award, and Academic All-America honors. 
Following his graduation, the Ambassador very nearly joined his 
hometown team, the Boston Celtics.
  Following his noteworthy accomplishments as a collegiate student-
athlete, Ambassador Flynn embarked upon a distinguished political 
career. In 1971, the Ambassador won a seat to represent his South 
Boston community as a member of the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives and served at the State house until 1979. Ambassador 
Flynn subsequently served South Boston as a member of the Boston City 
Council. After 4 years as a city councilor, Ambassador Flynn ran 
successfully to become mayor of Boston in 1983. He won reelection in 
1987 and 1991. In a 2001 interview, Ambassador Flynn lightheartedly 
remarked, ``As a young kid growing up on the streets of South Boston, 
everybody wanted to be President of the United States or Mayor of 
Boston.''
  Part way through the Ambassador's third term as mayor of Boston, 
President Bill Clinton called on him to serve as Ambassador to the Holy 
See. Ambassador Flynn embraced the opportunity to represent the United 
States at the Vatican. By the time he left this post in 1997, 
Ambassador Flynn had cultivated a close working relationship with Pope 
John Paul II, whom he had

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first met in 1969 during his State representative campaign. The 
Ambassador's friendship with Pope John Paul II led him to author two 
books: ``The Accidental Pope,'' a novel cowritten with Robin Moore, and 
a memoir titled ``Pope John Paul II: A Personal Portrait of the Pope 
and the Man.''
  Today, I am proud to salute Ambassador Raymond L. Flynn's 
accomplishments as a collegiate student-athlete in addition to his 
achievements as a public servant, diplomat, and devoted husband and 
father. I am also proud to call him my friend. When Ambassador Flynn 
sees his jersey hanging high above the court for the first time on 
Saturday night, I am sure the crowd will give this accomplished son of 
Massachusetts a standing ovation.

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