[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15441-15442]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                        SENATOR JOHN O. PASTORE

  Mr. L. CHAFEE. Mr. President. I rise today to speak of a man who, 
during 42 years of public service, left an indelible mark on 
generations of Rhode Islanders. Like thousands across the Ocean State, 
I am saddened by the passing of that great American statesman, John 
Orlando Pastore. Senator Pastore's life and career was one of 
diligence, accomplishment, integrity and distinction. Senator Pastore 
set a high standard for all who have followed him in the United States 
Senate, and while he will be missed, his contributions to our state and 
country will not be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences are extended to 
his family and friends in this difficult time.
  The Nation's first Italian-American governor, and then U.S. Senator, 
John O. Pastore was rightfully proud of his heritage and humble roots--
and all of Rhode Island was proud of him. Not only did he embody the 
contributions made by Italian-Americans to our state and nation, his 
life and career were a source of pride and hope for immigrants from all 
nations.
  A child when his father died, leaving his mother and siblings 
impoverished, the future Senator and Governor struggled to overcome the 
many daunting obstacles that life had laid in his path. Indeed, the 
true meaning of Senator Pastore's later personal and political 
achievements can only be understood when highlighted against the 
background of his own poignant memories of his childhood, which I would 
like to quote.

       We lived in the ghetto of Federal Hill. We had no running 
     water, no hot water. I used to get up in the mornings and 
     have to crank the stove, to go out in the back yard and sift 
     out the ashes and come back with the coal that I could 
     recoup. I had to chisel with the ice pick the ice in the sink 
     so that I could wash up in the mornings. And that was 
     everybody in the family. That wasn't me alone. That was my 
     wife's family, that was everybody's family.

  A man who never forgot these humble beginnings, Senator Pastore 
captured the hearts and minds of Rhode Islanders in his conviction that 
if one worked hard enough and long enough, one's dreams would come 
true. As one who lived the American Dream, had risen from poverty to 
political prominence, Senator Pastore strived to extend those same 
opportunities to all in this country.
  While Senator Pastore was a gentleman in everything he did, his 
convictions were equally strong. Whether he was standing up for the 
rights of the underprivileged, or warning of the dangers of nuclear 
proliferation, Senator Pastore was not afraid of a political fight. 
This was a man who, if asked an honest question, always provided an 
honest answer.
  Perhaps for his family there is some comfort in knowing that Senator 
Pastore's career in public service has made the world a better place. 
He helped guide our state and nation through some of our most 
tumultuous times--from his pivotal role in the struggle for civil 
rights legislation to his efforts to protect mankind from the threat of 
nuclear weapons. Indeed, many in our nation may have marvelled at how a 
state so small could produce a man so great.
  As the floor manager for the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Senator Pastore 
demonstrated his deep devotion for maintaining and promoting the rights 
of all people, regardless of their race, color or background. As a key 
player in the negotiation and ratification of the Nuclear Proliferation 
Treaty and the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, Senator Pastore helped 
significantly reduce the dangers

[[Page 15442]]

of thermonuclear war. On issues as diverse as civil rights and nuclear 
proliferation, Senator Pastore worked successfully to tighten the 
sinews of peace against a background of conflict.
  On a personal note, my father, John Chafee, who followed John Pastore 
to the Senate in 1976, held his predecessor in the highest esteem. 
Their relationship consisted of mutual respect, admiration, and a 
never-ending series of personal kindnesses, great and small.
  Upon his retirement in 1976, Senator Pastore addressed the Senate one 
final time. He expressed his love for this great institution and laid 
out the philosophy that had guided his career.

       Whatever you do, keep that torch of opportunity lighted. 
     Protect that flag. Maintain our institutions. Debate your 
     differences if you have them. But always realize what that 
     insignia says, ``E pluribus unum''--from the many there are 
     one.

                          ____________________