[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8567]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF GEORGE E. LEDFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 3, 2003

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
George E. Ledford, United States Veteran, beloved husband to the late 
Marjorie Jean; dedicated father, grandfather, educator, community 
volunteer, and friend and mentor to many.
  Mr. Ledford's life reflected a true example of an outstanding 
citizen--he lived each day with a consistent and deep commitment to his 
family, his community and to his country. He was an inspiring teacher 
for many years, and later, he was an effective and dedicated high 
school principal.
  Mr. Ledford graduated from the Merchant Marines Academy in 1946. 
After serving in WWII, Mr. Ledford served for many years as a reservist 
in the United States Navy, and remained committed to the Marines 
throughout his life. Beginning in the nineteen seventies--and 
continuing after his retirement as an educator--Mr. Ledford volunteered 
his time and expertise in the role as admissions officer with the 
Merchant Marine Academy.
  In that capacity, Mr. Ledford hosted informational ``College Nights'' 
for students considering a career in the military and also volunteered 
a significant amount of time that focused on outreach work for military 
families. And for many decades, Mr. Ledford represented the Merchant 
Marine Academy at the annual Military Academy Service Days, held at the 
Congressional District office. Mr. Ledford's kindness, honesty, 
openness, and willingness to share his personal experiences provided 
local students with a realistic glimpse of life in the military, and 
assisted them in making a sound decision regarding their future.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of George E. Ledford, an outstanding American citizen whose integrity, 
warmth, wit and concern for others have served to uplift our entire 
Cleveland community. I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Ledford's 
cherished daughters, Barbara and Cathy; cherished son, David; and also 
to his beloved grandchildren, and extended family members and friends. 
Although he will be deeply missed, George E. Ledford's spirit will live 
on in the hearts and memories of everyone he loved and inspired--
especially his family, students, and closest friends--today, and for 
generations to come.

                          ____________________