[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26320]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING BENJAMIN P. LATHROP UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS THE MAYOR OF 
                              NORWICH, CT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Benjamin P. 
Lathrop who is retiring after years of service to the City of Norwich, 
Connecticut. I rise to recognize him on his retirement after 4 years of 
service as Mayor, and over a decade of service to the community as a 
whole.
  Ben has dedicated his life to public service, and is a veteran of the 
Air Force who served our nation during the Vietnam War. He has served 
as Mayor of Norwich since 2005 and previously on the Norwich City 
Council from 1997, the final two terms as President Pro-Tem. A 
perpetually enthusiastic booster for the city, Ben's good cheer, 
kindness, and dedication have helped him unite the people of Norwich 
and set the stage for further progress in the years to come.
  Ben founded both the Mayor's Cup Challenge and the Norwich Ambassador 
Program. He has volunteered in community groups such as the American 
Cancer Society and the March of Dimes, and as a mentor at the Norwich 
Public Schools and the Greeneville School. Ben has served on many of 
Norwich's boards and commissions, notably as a member of both the 
Greater Norwich Area and Eastern Connecticut Chambers of Commerce.
  We will honor his service on November 19 with a dinner, the proceeds 
of which will benefit Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut and Thames 
Valley Council for Community Action Inc.
  Ben's dedication as a citizen of Norwich, and his passion as the 
city's Mayor will be remembered for years to come. He truly believes in 
the importance of community, and wears his love for his city on his 
sleeve. I ask all of my colleagues to join with me and my constituents 
in thanking Mayor Lathrop for his service and wishing him the best in 
his new endeavors.

                          ____________________