[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[House]
[Pages 10648-10649]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF EDWARD LAGE, JR. ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PUBLIC 
                                SERVICE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WALDEN of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to recognize 
an outstanding Oregonian and public servant on the occasion of the 50th 
anniversary of his service to the Pine Grove Fire Department. Friends 
and colleagues of Edward Riddell Lage, Jr. will soon observe the 
passage of the half-century milestone in which he has helped protect 
the lives and property of his fellow citizens. Like each of them, I 
stand in awe of Eddie's remarkable dedication to others. I take great 
pride in adding my voice to the chorus of Oregonians who have expressed 
gratitude for his many contributions to his community.
  Mr. Speaker, Eddie Lage is a fourth-generation farmer who was born 
July 28, 1936, into a well-respected Oregon farm family. As a young 
man, he joined the all-volunteer Pine Grove Fire Department on May 12, 
1953, beginning what would come to be a lifetime spent in community 
service. Eddie's fellow volunteers describe him as a tireless and 
faithful firefighter with a near perfect record of attendance at drills 
and other meetings. This commitment would ultimately be rewarded with 
Eddie's appointment as fire chief as well as to a position on the 
department's board of directors. He remains a fixture among the 
community's volunteer firefighters, inspiring them with his selfless 
dedication to others. Perhaps most remarkably, he has no plans to give 
himself a well-deserved rest.
  Eddie exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism and good citizenship, 
and the Oregonians he helps keep safe owe him a tremendous debt of 
gratitude. In addition to his service on the Pine Grove Fire 
Department, he has also served as a member of the National Ski Patrol 
for 25 years, as well as the Crag Rats, an outfit in the Columbia Gorge 
that rescues climbers from nearby Mt. Hood. If there is an organization 
dedicated to helping Oregonians in their hour of need, chances are that 
Eddie is a member of that organization. As with his service as a 
volunteer firefighter, the work he has done as a rescuer has been 
totally without pay. The satisfaction of helping others is the only 
compensation that he desires.
  Mr. Speaker, Eddie Lage has served as a board member and past 
president of the Washington/Oregon Canning Pear Association, where he 
advocated on behalf of his fellow Northwest orchardists. Eddie has also 
served the young people of his area, donating his time and energy to 
helping ensure bright futures for those who come after him.

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  He has been active with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a 
member of the Columbia Pacific Council. He has held the role of an 
advisory member of the Future Farmers of America; and perhaps most 
admirably, Eddie served for 8 years as a member of the Oregon National 
Guard, proudly wearing the uniform of these United States.
  Eddie Lage personifies the well-trained and highly motivated public 
servant who is dedicated to the protection of his community. He has 
sacrificed his time, risked his life, endured discomfort, and 
shouldered tremendous burdens for no other reason than his commitment 
to others.
  Mr. Speaker, most of us spend our lives hoping that we will leave the 
world a better place than we found it. Eddie Lage need not entertain 
such a hope. In his case, it has long since been fulfilled. I am 
grateful for Eddie's devotion to his fellow citizens. I am honored to 
represent such a fine man in the United States Congress and to call him 
a friend.

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