[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 611-612]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             A TORCH OF LIBERTY AWARD--THOMAS C. GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 5, 2002

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, on May 8, 2002, a good friend of America's 
consumers will receive the prestigious Torch of Liberty Award from the 
well-respected Jewish Anti-Defamation League. This honor has been 
bestowed on Thomas C. Gallagher, president and chief operating officer 
of Genuine Parts Company-NAPA, for his unfailing promotion of diversity

[[Page 612]]

and tolerance in the workforce in general and in the Office Products 
industry in particular, as well as his continued dedication in working 
for tolerance in the community.
  The Anti-Defamation League has never veered from its mission of 
obliterating hate and bigotry. Since 1913, the ADL has moved forward to 
quash hatred whenever it raised its ugly head. So, this May, when the 
ADL in the fine state of New York bequeaths Thomas Gallagher with its 
Torch of Liberty Award, it will be because of its acknowledgement of 
people like Mr. Gallager who never fail to take a stand to do what is 
right and just.
  At a time when America stands unified to protect our precious 
freedoms, it gives us all pause that organizations like the ADL have 
fought the ``good'' battles when those battles weren't popular, that 
they continue to strive to recognize individuals and will continue to 
march forward and shine as a beacon of light with truth and justice in 
what sometimes seems like a world of darkness.
  It has been my pleasure to personally know Tom Gallagher and see 
first-hand his commitment to America's consumers. It is with pride in 
Tom as a fellow American that I place his name in the Congressional 
Record for others to know the merits and values of one of America's 
foremost business leaders.

                          ____________________