[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 137 (Monday, August 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5560-S5561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO ROGER BEGIN

 Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a 
constituent and friend, Roger Begin. Roger serves as the Honorary 
Consul of France in Providence. In September, the French Government 
will award him the Legion of Honor, the country's highest order of 
merit, for his long and distinguished career in public service. I 
congratulate Roger on earning this recognition and thank him for his 
many contributions to civic life in Rhode Island.
  As the Honorary Consul of France, Roger is a liaison to the French 
Government and helps Rhode Islanders with passports, immigration, and 
other government business. Roger previously had a lengthy and 
productive career in public service. A son of Woonsocket and graduate 
of CCRI and Bryant University, he was elected to the Rhode Island House 
of Representatives at the age of 19. After serving several terms, he 
went on to win election as Rhode Island's general treasurer and then 
Lieutenant Governor.
  I served as legal counsel to Governor Bruce Sundlun during tumultuous 
years of crisis and reform, while Roger was Lieutenant Governor. 
Serving in government in times of crisis is a bonding experience.
  Outside of his time in government, Roger has served on the boards of 
many mission-driven organizations in our community. From the Meeting

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Street School, to the Rhode Island Historical Society, to the Rhode 
Island Hospital Association, there is hardly a comer of the State that 
has not been made better by Roger's energy and contributions.
  Roger also enjoyed a successful business career in the financial 
sector. He is truly a man of many parts. And he is a gregarious, 
cheerful good person on top of it all.
  I wish Roger all the best as he accepts the French Legion of Honor 
and look forward to celebrating with him next month.

                          ____________________