[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 46 (Tuesday, March 20, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E388]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING ALFRED L. MARDER AS HE CELEBRATES HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 20, 2012

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to rise today to 
join the many friends, family, and community leaders who have gathered 
to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Alfred L. Marder as he 
celebrates his 90th birthday. Al is one of our community's most active 
advocates--dedicating much of his life to fighting for social justice 
and the improvement of the quality of life for all.
  Al Marder is an institution in our community. He is perhaps best 
known for his work to promote peace, social justice, worker's rights 
and equality. His commitment to these issues is unwavering--regardless 
of controversy, he always stands firm in his fight to protect human 
rights.
  Over the course of his 90 years, Al has made innumerable 
contributions to our community and our nation. In his early years, Al 
served as Executive Director of the Connecticut CIO Youth and Sports 
Organization and was President of the New Haven Youth Conference. He 
served in the United States Infantry during World War II and was 
stationed in the European Theater where he received the Bronze Star. 
Following the war, Al completed his college education at the University 
of Connecticut and soon found a passion that he would pursue for the 
rest of his life. During the McCarthy era, Al was one of those singled 
out for proudly sharing his thoughts and ideas. Standing firm in his 
support of civil liberties and the right of every American to freely 
express themselves, Al discovered his passion for civil and workers 
rights--two issues to which he has dedicated a lifetime of advocacy.
  Here in New Haven, Al has made many contributions that have changed 
the face of our community. One of those outstanding efforts was his 
work to bring light to story of the Amistad captives and its lessons of 
unity to achieve freedom. The Amistad story has a special connection to 
the New Haven community and its resurrection and celebration has become 
a great source of pride. It has led to the erection of a statue of 
Sengbe Pieh at City Hall, the re-creation of the Amistad ship at Mystic 
Seaport, and the formation of the Connecticut African American Freedom 
Trail. Through each of these efforts, the story of the Amistad and its 
captives' fight for freedom teaches new generations of the fundamental 
liberties on which our nation was built. It has had an extraordinary 
impact on our community and would not have been possible without Al's 
commitment to ensuring its success.
  I am honored to have this opportunity to join all of those gathered 
today in wishing Alfred L. Marder a very happy 90th birthday. At 90-
years young, Al continues his work on behalf of those whose voices are 
too often silenced. Al has left an indelible mark on our community and 
a legacy of advocacy and compassion that will certainly inspire 
generations to come. I extend my very best wishes to him, his children, 
Rebecca and Kenneth, and his grandchildren, Emily and Adam, for many 
more years of health and happiness.

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