[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 30995]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF VIRGINIA DEMMLER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SHELLEY BERKLEY

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of an 
outstanding Nevadan who dedicated her life to the highest ideals of 
civic life. Virginia Demmler, served the causes of justice and equality 
throughout her more than 20 years as a resident of Nevada, providing 
boundless energy, tireless work and inspiring leadership for Washoe 
County's Democratic Party and other civic organizations.
  At the recent memorial service that celebrated Virginia's life, 
former United States Senator Richard Bryan described her as ``the 
essence of a citizen activist, totally selfless and committed.'' 
Virginia was recognized at ``the heart of the Democratic Party of 
Washoe County,'' by Mary Connelly, State Director for United States 
Senator Harry Reid.
  Virginia Demmler's service as Chairman of the County Party as its 
Executive Director set the standard for principled, effective activism. 
Washoe County's Democrats have appropriately marked their respect for 
Virginia's legacy by naming their annual Honor Roll Dinner the Virginia 
Demmler Honor Roll Dinner, where hundreds of her fellow citizens will 
attend in tribute to her.
  As a young woman I became involved in politics and public service in 
Las Vegas, hundreds of miles from Reno. But Virginia reached out to me 
to provide guidance and vision that helped chart my course to achieve 
elected office and to serve all Nevadans with the passion and principle 
epitomized. I hope my service measures up to her example.
  Virginia never shied away from helping a good cause. From Common 
Cause, to Planned Parenthood, to the American Civil Liberties Union, 
she served with distinction and was always there for people in need, to 
right a wrong, and to help build a better state.
  Nevada is a better place, and her citizens enriched, because of the 
life of Virginia Demmler.

                          ____________________