[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF DR. TRUMAN KAHN

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                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of optometrist 
and World War II Navy veteran, Dr. Truman Kahn. He was a longtime 
Memphian whose courage and compassion were felt by those who knew him. 
Throughout his life, he donated his time to the Sam Schloss Lodge of 
B'nai B'rith, Beth Sholom Congregation, the Memphis Jewish Federation, 
and the Democratic Party, as well as being a Hadassah Associate.
  Dr. Truman Kahn attended Emory University where he was a member of 
the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity. After leaving Emory University, Dr. 
Kahn came to Memphis to attend the Southern College of Optometry, where 
he graduated with honors. During World War II, Dr. Kahn enlisted in the 
U.S. Navy to serve his country in its time of need. After training at 
Notre Dame, he served as an officer aboard the USS Ticonderoga aircraft 
carrier. Dr. Kahn's name can be found on both the WWII Memorial in 
Washington, D.C. as well as at the WWII Museum in New Orleans.
  When World War II ended, Dr. Kahn returned to Memphis after being 
honorably discharged from the Navy. He married his wife, Gloria Kahn, 
and opened his first optometry clinic in 1947. Like most other 
buildings in the southern states during this time period, medical 
offices were segregated based upon racial identity. Dr. Kahn chose to 
defy this practice, becoming the first medical professional in Memphis 
to have an integrated waiting room. Dr. Kahn continued to practice 
optometry for over 50 years.
  Dr. Kahn passed away at 89 years of age. He is survived by his wife, 
his daughter Susan Dreyfus, his son Stanley Kahn, five grandchildren 
and two great grandchildren. His service to country and community will 
be remembered by all whose lives he touched. His was a life well lived.

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