[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Senate]
[Page 27222]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 27222]]

                       TRIBUTE TO F. FRED GOROSPE

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
life and work of a truly remarkable American and long-time Detroit 
resident, Fred Gorospe. Born in 1902 in the Philippines, he pursued a 
dream to journey to America and become part of this great democracy. He 
overcame many obstacles as a young immigrant, and eventually was able 
to study mechanical engineering at Purdue University, becoming one of 
only three minorities hired into the engineering department of the Ford 
Motor Company not long after the Great Depression. He devoted himself 
to community and public service, and helped pave the way for many 
Filipino Americans like himself to assimilate into the mainstream of 
American life. Fred enjoyed a full life of 97 years and had the good 
fortune of having a loving wife, Helen, and a caring family that 
includes four sons and four daughters, and 10 grandchildren. He is 
well-remembered for his great sense of charity, and his unshakeable 
faith that people working together can make a difference.
  In his lifetime, Fred provided leadership to numerous organizations, 
including the Federation of Filipinos of Michigan, Michigan Democratic 
State Central Committee, Advisory Council of Wayne County Community 
College, Advisory Board and Board of Directors of Detroit Area Agency 
on Aging, Board of Directors of the International Institute of 
Metropolitan Detroit, President of Far Eastern Festival of Detroit, 
Steering Committee of Ethnic Festivals of Detroit, cofounder of Fil-Am 
Association, and member of the University of Michigan and American 
Assembly of Columbia University on Philippine-American Relations. Fred 
made a significant contribution to Detroit's culture, and helped to 
bridge understanding of and appreciation for diversity. He worked hard 
to advance equal opportunities for education and social and economic 
achievement, and promoted the American ideal of social justice.
  I would like to express my admiration for the life and 
accomplishments of Fred Gorospe. We can all benefit from his example of 
courage, perseverance and leadership. Fred has left an indelible mark 
on Detroit's history and its community. His family can be proud of his 
legacy. I know my Senate colleagues will join me in paying tribute to 
Fred Gorospe, and in congratulating his family on his exemplary and 
principled dedication to helping and enriching the lives of 
others.

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