[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H92]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING FORMER ILLINOIS REPRESENTATIVE EDWARD DERWINSKI

  (Mrs. BIGGERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. BIGGERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to report 
the passing of former Illinois Representative Edward Derwinski.
  Congressman Derwinski dedicated his life to public service, including 
24 years here in the House serving Illinois' Fourth District from 1959 
to 1983. He passed away on January 15 at the age of 85. Perhaps best 
known for his colorful and engaging personality, he went on to serve as 
the Undersecretary of State for National Security Affairs, and in 1989 
he led efforts to renew our country's commitment to its veterans as 
first ever Secretary for Veterans Affairs.
  President George H.W. Bush once said of Ed, a former infantryman in 
World War II, that he had the skill of a seasoned legislator, the 
patience of a practiced administrator, the finesse of a diplomat, and 
the heart of a man who knows what it means to start his government 
career as a private in the United States Army.
  Today I join my colleagues in the Illinois delegation in honoring his 
service to our State and Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with all 
those who knew him best, especially his wife, Bonnie; son, Michael; 
daughter, Maureen; stepdaughter, Maggie; stepson, Kevin; sister, 
Bernadette; and his seven grandchildren.

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