[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16835]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




HONORING RALPH AND ELEANOR LOCHER ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 64TH WEDDING 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Mayor Ralph and Eleanor Locher, as they celebrate the sixty-fourth year 
of their marriage. Their committed partnership to each other also 
reflects their deep commitment and service to our entire Cleveland 
community.
  Mayor and Mrs. Locher met in their rural hometown of Bluffton, Ohio. 
As a young boy, Mayor Locher and his family emigrated from Romania and 
settled in Bluffton. Mrs. Locher was born and raised in Bluffton. Their 
dedication for each other and their passion for politics originated 
during their teen years in high school, as they were avid members of 
the high school debate team--and they've been inseparable ever since.
  Mayor and Mrs. Locher attended Dayton University together. After they 
graduated, they moved to Cleveland and were married in June of 1939. 
Mr. Locher went on to attend law school at Western Reserve University, 
while Mrs. Locher worked as a teacher. Soon after, daughter Virginia 
was born. Mrs. Locher became the steel frame of the Locher family, 
evolving into the role of mother, supportive wife and civic activist. 
Throughout Mayor Locher's impressive career as attorney, mayor and 
judge, Mrs. Locher was a constant and committed advocate, organizer and 
friend. Their unbreakable alliance has served to encourage, uplift, and 
bring out the best in one another.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Mayor Ralph Locher and Eleanor Locher as they celebrate sixty four 
years of marriage. The longevity of their union underscores a deep and 
abiding love and commitment for each other--and reflects their deep 
respect, admiration and solid friendship that continues to grow 
stronger throughout their journey. Family has always been central to 
their life together--daughter Virginia Wells; grandson Andrew and his 
wife Heather; and great-granddaughter Caroline. We stand in celebration 
of the wedding anniversary of Ralph and Eleanor Locher--the spirit of 
love within their union is cause for celebration and is an inspiration 
to us all.
  ``Love is the river of life in the world''--Henry Ward Beecher.

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