[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 15442-15443]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



        ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROMWELL CHILDREN'S HOME

 Mr. DODD. Mr. President, for 100 years the Cromwell Children's 
Home in Cromwell, Connecticut has provided a nurturing and supportive 
environment for children. Although the Home has evolved from its 
initial origins as an orphanage, its dedication and devotion to helping 
children in need has not wavered. I am proud to rise today to recognize 
this praiseworthy institution and, on behalf of the people of 
Connecticut, extend a heartfelt thank you on its centennial 
anniversary.
  On any one day in Connecticut, there can be over 5,000 children in 
need of the services so selflessly provided by institutions like the 
Children's Home. Those children staying at the Children's Home benefit 
from a positive environment created by the dedicated and skilled staff. 
From my experience of working on children's issues in the United States 
Senate, I know how important it is to provide a constructive and 
therapeutic atmosphere for children.
  The Children's Home is special because it is a comprehensive 
residential treatment center that can help many children who are 
emotionally disturbed, behaviorally challenged or socially maladjusted. 
Through the residential component of the treatment regiment, children 
develop social skills and learn to positively interact with others. 
Children also benefit from the educational opportunities provided by 
the Learning Center because every student's educational experience is 
designed to personally suit his or her needs and to complement his or 
her learning style. The extensive outdoor learning opportunities, 
coupled with access to computers, help to provide balanced, quality 
learning. In addition, family therapy is a prominent feature at the 
Home because it is crucial to facilitate effective interaction between 
children and their families.
  All of these wonderful features contribute to the successful 
completion of the Children's Home goal of ``returning each child to his 
or her community with a more positive attitude.'' For 100 years, the 
Children's Home has succeeded in its endeavor and has positively 
contributed to the lives of its residents.
  One such former resident who symbolized the success of the Children's 
Home was John Russell Bergendahl. Known to his friends as Russ or 
``Red,'' John Bergendahl honored the Cromwell Children's Home, the 
state of Connecticut and our nation by his service in World War II. An 
only child whose parents died when he was a boy, Russ became a resident 
of the Cromwell Children's Home in 1932. The supportive environment at 
the Home enabled him to overcome his tragedy and live with a positive 
attitude. Russ quickly developed an outgoing personality that was 
complimented by his physical and mental discipline. As Russ matured, he 
became a model resident of the home, owing much to the caring 
environment and dedicated staff.
  During high school, Russ excelled in athletics at Middletown High 
School and even played on the Cromwell town baseball team. Upon 
graduating from Middletown High School, he enlisted in the military to 
fight for his country in World War II. John entered military training 
and was assigned to the 504th Parachute Infantry Unit (PIR) of the 82nd 
Airborne Division. His unit fought courageously throughout Northern 
Africa and Italy during the early years of the War. The 504th's ranks 
were so depleted from these battles that they

[[Page 15443]]

were retained as a reserve unit and did not participate in the D-Day 
invasion.
  However, John was one of only 50 volunteers of the 504th to serve as 
pathfinders on D-Day . His 50-man unit courageously preceded the main 
airborne divisions behind enemy lines to protect the vulnerable beach 
landings and to prevent an enemy counterattack. John did not survive 
this hazardous mission and died serving his country on June 6, 1944. 
His death was undoubtedly heroic although the exact circumstances can 
not be verified. He is buried alongside his fellow pathfinders at the 
United States Military Cemetery at Omaha Beach.
  On this, the 100th anniversary of the Cromwell Children's Home, it is 
only right that we recognize this special institution. As the story of 
John Russell Bergendahl demonstrates, the Cromwell Children's Home has 
nurtured a number of remarkable Americans, many of whom have served 
with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces. But whether its residents go 
on to become heros or just good neighbors and positive members of the 
Community, the Cromwell Children's Home is making an important 
difference. I hope the case of John Russell Bergendahl serves as an 
inspiration to the past and future residents of the Cromwell Children's 
Home and that they understand that their lives and their potential are 
limitless. Once again, I congratulate the Cromwell Children's Home on 
this 100th anniversary and I encourage them to carry forward the good 
work for another 100 years.

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