[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 102 (Monday, June 30, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE BENJAMIN GILMAN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 30, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize a dear 
friend and former Congressional colleague, the Honorable Benjamin 
Gilman.
  Ben, ever a true statesman and gentleman, served as a mentor to me, 
especially during his time as Chairman of the House International 
Relations Committee. His tenure was marked by a supreme dedication to 
those in need: the hungry, the oppressed, and the neglected around the 
world.
  Whether through his work in promoting microcredit and micro-
enterprise programs, or his leadership investigating religious 
intolerance, Chairman Gilman served as a model for all of his 
colleagues. He used his voice and platform to speak for those the world 
could not hear.
  A proud veteran of the Second World War, Chairman Gilman also focused 
on returning prisoners of war to their homes, the plight of the working 
poor in countries whose economies were paralyzed by international drug 
trade, and so very many more.
  To his former constituents in New York, he was known as ``Gentle 
Ben,'' and fortunately for his former colleagues, Ben is, to this day, 
an active participant in our government.
  I am grateful to Chairman Gilman for his great works, and for the 
inspiration he gave me years ago when he wielded the gavel of the 
International Relations Committee.
  I am pleased to also recognize that Chairman Gilman is still being 
recognized to this day for his great contributions to our country. In 
fact, this past Sunday, June 29, Orange Hall of Orange County Community 
College held its Paintings for World-Harmony exhibit dedicated to Ben. 
This heartfelt event contained the renowned works of his longtime 
friend, Sri Chinmoy (Deceased--2007).
  Ben, your portrait hangs in our Committee Hearing room, but truly, we 
need no such reminder of your tenure. Your work on behalf of all 
Americans in advancing freedom and justice is ongoing, and ever-present 
in our minds.

                          ____________________