CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E527 Pastor,’’ a mentor, and a friend to all. His of the House of Representa- ‘‘ is an incredibly heroic per- ready demeanor makes him readily available tives. son, but also someone who is absolutely in to pastors for counseling and friendship. He is touch with his constituency,’’ Solmonese f said in a telephone interview. ‘‘He’s a man often called upon for advice by struggling con- who values family more than anyone I gregations and has more than once been SUN CHRONICLE HAILS APPOINT- MENT OF ATTLEBORO NATIVE know.’’ called upon to present leadership training to Solmonese came out as gay in his early churches and deacons. 20s; he recalls attending a Human Rights Rev. Wright is married to Narcissus Har- HON. BARNEY FRANK Campaign dinner when he was 22. Before grove Wright of Henderson, North Carolina OF joining EMILY’s List, he was an aide to and the proud father of four children: Billy, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES former Massachusetts Gov. and a fund-raiser for Frank. Wendi, Nicole and Ashley. The Wrights pres- Tuesday, April 5, 2005 ently make their home in Greensboro, North He credits his parents, both school- Carolina. Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, teachers, with inspiring him to pursue a ca- Mr. Speaker, Reverend William F. Wright, since 1982, my Congressional activities have reer of political activism. Solmonese Ele- mentary School in Norton is named after his Jr. has used his position as a spiritual and been covered by the Sun Chronicle, which provides news for the Greater Attleboro, Mas- father, Joseph. community leader to improve the lives of those ‘‘After a decade in the reproductive rights around him, and his 25th Pastoral Anniversary sachusetts area. It is a newspaper which un- derstands the importance of solid and thought- movement, I see myself having been in the is yet another reminder of all of the good work fight for a progressive America,’’ he said. ful coverage of events that happen within its he has accomplished. As such, he is more ‘‘Groups like the HRC are very much at the than worthy of receiving our recognition today. area. At the same time, it pays due attention forefront of that fight.’’ Thus, I urge my colleagues to join me in hon- to national issues, and it has also been an im- Another common denominator for the oring this truly remarkable person. portant advocate for fair treatment for that part abortion-rights and gay rights movements is of Massachusetts in which it circulates. their determined and politically well-con- f Its interest in all three of these elements nected opposition. Conservative leaders who HONORING PALMYRA MACEDON came together on March 18 when the Sun focus on those two issues have claimed credit BOYS’ BASKETBALL CLASS B Chronicle published a gracious and thoughtful for the Republicans’ strong showing in the 2004 election. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP editorial about the appointment of an Attleboro native, Joe Solmonese, to be the head of the ‘‘The American people fear a whole range of things right now, from terrorism to their . The Human Rights HON. JAMES T. WALSH economic future,’’ Solmonese said. ‘‘Our op- Campaign is a major voice for fair treatment OF NEW YORK position has been pretty crafty at capital- for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered izing on that fear, using whatever means IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES people, and I am among those who was very necessary to make political gains.’’ Tuesday, April 5, 2005 pleased that Mr. Solmonese was selected, Many conservative groups are now waging Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in given the combination of skill and talent that a two-pronged fight against gay marriage. tribute to the Palmyra Macedon Red Raiders, he brings to the job. They are lobbying Congress to approve a fed- As the Sun Chronicle noted, ‘‘Attleboro is eral constitutional amendment defining the varsity boys’ basketball team that won marriage as the union of a man and a their first Class B State Title. The 57–47 vic- honored by the appointment of a city native to head the Human Rights Campaign’’ and it is woman; they also hope many more states tory was well earned after trailing to the Carle will join the 17 that already have amended Place Frogs for the majority of the game. also honored and fortunate to have a news- their constitutions to ban gay marriage. Junior shooting guard Anthony Hall scored a paper with the generosity of spirit to edito- The Human Rights Campaign was among game-high 26 points, and helped the Red rialize as well as it did on this subject. I ask numerous gay-rights organizations partici- Raiders get back into the lead in the final that this editorial be printed here. pating earlier this month in a strategy ses- quarter. Coach Chip Tatro and the rest of this [From the Sun Chronicle, March 18, 2005] sion aimed at competing effectively in outstanding team deserve congratulations ACTIVIST EYES TOUGH FIGHT upcommg state ballot campaigns regarding gay marriage. after their third attempt, and consequent vic- (By David Crary) Solmonese says he hopes Massachusetts NEW YORK.—After 12 years advocating for tory, in winning the championship. will demonstrate to Americans nationwide abortion rights, Attleboro native Joe Coach Chip Tatro, Christopher Milke, Jared that its pioneering legalization of same-sex Solmonese might have opted for a less divi- Boisvert, Mike Beck, Anthony Hall, Todd marriage has positive, not negative, results. sive field of work. Instead, he is taking over Piccola, Dan Gorman, Tim Patchett, Jonathon ‘‘Massachusetts is still there, with loving, leadership of the largest national gay-rights committed families going on with their lives Denniston, Adam Husk, Andy Weaver, Jason group at a time when the same-sex marriage and experiencing the same rights and respon- Clair, Sean McGinn, Chris Timbs are all equal debate rivals abortion for volatility and sibilities that all Americans do,’’ he said. contributors to the outstanding 2005 season. virulence. ‘‘We want to shine a light on what happened I commend the Palmyra Macedon Red ‘‘My challenge is to talk about why the in Massachusetts, and tell the American peo- equality we seek is not just important to our Raiders for their enthusiasm and hard work in ple who we truly are.’’ community, but should be important to ev- reaching their goal. Congratulations and good He replaces another Massachusetts polit- luck on future seasons. eryone,’’ Solmonese said. ‘‘I have to believe in the optimism and fair-mindedness of the ical activist, former state Sen. Cheryl f American people.’’ Jacques, who stepped down as HRC president late last year, citing differences with its HONORING THE VAN VANDALS Solmonese was named last week as the new president of the Washington-based Human board. Rights Campaign and will formally assume Her departure coincided with speculation HON. JEB HENSARLING the post April 11. in the gay media, and elsewhere, about dis- OF TEXAS He plans to start his tenure by traveling cord among the HRC and some other major around the country, meeting with state and gay-rights groups. Solmonese said he has de- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES local activists. tected no serious rifts since his hiring was Tuesday, April 5, 2005 Since 1993, Solmonese has been a strategist announced. Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, today I for EMILY’s List, a political action com- mittee supporting state and federal can- [From the Sun Chronicle, Mar. 18, 2005] would like to honor the Van Vandals boys’ didacies of Democratic women who favor ATTLEBORO HONORED BY ANOTHER ACTIVIST basketball team who won the Texas 3A cham- abortion rights. He was its chief executive pionship on March 11, 2005. In their first trip for the past 21⁄2 years, helping break fund- Attleboro is honored by the appointment to the state finals in sixty-three years, the Van- raising records but also seeing candidates his of a city native to head the Human Rights dals beat Graham High School to return home group endorsed lose 2004 Senate races in Campaign—the nation’s largest gay civil with the state championship trophy. This is an Florida, South Carolina and Missouri. rights group—and just days prior to a wel- accomplishment that the young men on the Solmonese, 40, graduated from Boston Uni- come loosening on the West Coast of the versity with a degree in communications bans on same-sex marriage. team will remember for the rest of their lives. after growing up in Attleboro. One of his role Joe Solmonese, 40, who is gay, brings to his As the congressional representative of the models was the local congressman, BARNEY new role a history of activism that began members, coaches, and supporters of the Van FRANK—who disclosed his homosexuality in when he became student council vice presi- Vandals, it is my pleasure to recognize their 1987 when openly gay politicians were almost dent while a junior at Attleboro High School outstanding accomplishment today on the floor unheard of. in the early 1980s.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 14:03 Apr 08, 2005 Jkt 039102 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\TEMP\E05AP5.REC E05AP5 E528 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 5, 2005 He later held an internship at the State- The museum’s tribute includes a recreated are wise words. As I learned about the life of house while attending Boston University, watch tower and barracks, a detailed diorama service that Mr. Somervell has led, I am in- then worked on successful reelection cam- of a German ‘‘stalag,’’ the names of those spired by his beliefs and his values. paigns, first for Gov. Michael Dukakis and Service to America is one value Slim holds then U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Newton. He New Yorkers who were POWs during World worked on a Senate campaign in Oregon, as War II and a tribute to American POWs in dear. He entered the United States Navy in well. other conflicts. This will mark the first perma- 1941. In 1944, Slim was commissioned as a Solmonese succeeds former Sen. Cheryl nent museum tribute to American POWs in the gunnery and navigation officer for the USS Jacques, who stepped down from her Attle- New York region. Landing Ship Medium 142. boro-area district to lead the Human Rights It is vital that we continue to remember the In addition to having command of the Land- Campaign in January 2004. She resigned Nov. horrors of the Holocaust and pay tribute to ing Ship Medium, he also commanded Patrol 30. both the victims and the brave soldiers who Craft 1262, which conducted air and sea res- Solmonese, whose mother and sister live in cues in the Caribbean. He was also Executive Attleboro, took the helm just days before a contributed to the liberation of Europe from trial court judge in California ruled on Nazi rule. I strongly commend the leadership Officer of the Patrol Craft Escort 877. March 14 against that state’s same-sex mar- that the American Airpower Museum of Farm- Slim worked in the Fleet Weather Center in riage ban, calling it unconstitutional and ingdale has taken on this issue and urge other Washington, DC and conducted Navy weather comparing it to archaic segregation laws. museums to follow suit. research in Norfolk, Virginia. He served on the It’s a ruling that resonates in Massachu- f Forrestal, CVA–59. He was also the staff me- setts, which has been in the vanguard of the teorologist for the commander of the U.S. Sec- struggle for equality. RECOGNIZING FLOWER MOUND ond Fleet, later for the Western Pacific 7th It was the first in the nation, in November HIGH SCHOOL’S NAMING TO THE 2003, to give gay men and lesbians the same Fleet and ultimately commanded the Navy Re- access to marriage licenses as heterosexual GRAMMY SIGNATURE SCHOOL search Facility in Norfolk, Virginia. couples. GOLD LIST Devotion to family is another value that is Solmonese’ predecessor, Jacques, married important to Slim. While on assignment in her longtime partner in August in Boston, HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS Monterey, California, he met his wife Mary. days after she addressed the Democratic Na- OF TEXAS They married in 1949 in Kerrville, Texas. They tional Convention calling for ‘‘marriage had five children, four girls and one boy. Slim IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES equality.’’ The couple were wed under Massa- and Mary are now grandparents of thirteen. chusetts’ high court historic decision, a deci- Tuesday, April 5, 2005 Slim will often tell you, ‘‘What more can a sion that was long overdue here and con- tinues to be elsewhere. Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to person ask for than children and grandchildren Appeals are certain in California. But each commend Flower Mound High School, located who turn out to be good citizens.’’ As you can step forward brings closer what surely will in the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for tell, Slim is quite proud of his family. be the eventual right of gays and lesbians its recognition on the Gold List of Grammy After 30 years of faithful service to our across the country to attain equal footing in Signature Schools. country, Slim retired. But this did not slow him the eyes of the law. I congratulate Flower Mound High School’s down. Slim took a job with the Bureau of Rec- We congratulate Joe Solmonese, whose fa- performing arts department, under the leader- lamation in their cloud seeding program. Later, ther, Joseph, was principal of Norton High Slim worked for the Department of Atmos- School for several years until his death, as ship of Danna Rothlisberger, Lewisville ISD di- he sets out across the country to carry his rector of performing arts, and Mark Rohwer, pheric Science at Colorado State University. message. chair of the performing arts department, for Slim spent 15 years in that department as a ‘‘We seek the same rights and responsibil- their outstanding achievement. Flower Mound manager, researcher and also a teacher. ities as all other Americans,’’ Solmonese High School was only one of seven schools in In addition to service to family and service said, upon his appointment. ‘‘Our job is to the nation promoted to the Gold List from their to our country, Slim also strongly believes in educate the American people as to what service to God. Slim and Mary attend Saint equality means.’’ original recognition as a Grammy Signature School. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Fort Collins, Colo- f Flower Mound High School received $7,000 rado. There, Slim serves as a lector and a HONORING THE AMERICAN AIR cash reward for its performing arts department communion minister. POWER MUSEUM IN FARMING- as part of their promotion. Mr. Rohwer has Slim has been truly blessed with a great ca- DALE, NEW YORK promised to spend a portion of the money to reer and a great family. I invite my colleagues hiring composers to write specific pieces for to join me in honoring Mr. Somervell. May the band, orchestra and choir, and to buy new God continue to bless the Somervells for HON. STEVE ISRAEL years to come. OF NEW YORK equipment. f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Flower Mound High School’s performing arts department is a stellar example from which Tuesday, April 5, 2005 A TRIBUTE TO MAE CATHERINE Texas schools should model their performing GREENE Mr. ISRAEL. Mr Speaker, I rise today to rec- arts departments. Their commitment to edu- ognize the contributions of the American Air- cating students through the arts is to be ad- HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS power Museum in Farmingdale, New York to mired and replicated. OF NEW YORK the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of I am proud of the education system in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the liberation of American POWs at the end of Texas; especially our involved parents and World War II. teachers at Flower Mound High School who Tuesday, April 5, 2005 Sixty years ago this spring, over 100,000 commit their lives and time to fostering growth Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of American and Allied POWs were liberated by in their students. Mae Catherine Greene in recognition for her Soviet troops as they swept aside enemy f dedication to her community. forces in Eastern Europe. This liberation Mae Catherine Greene fondly known as marked the end of forced marches, stinging HONORING THE LIFE OF WILLIAM ‘‘Cat’’ by family and close friends is almost a cold, constant hunger and the everpresent ‘‘SLIM’’ SOMERVELL life long resident of the east New York com- threat of summary execution by a collapsing munity of which she has been an integral and Nazi regime. Simultaneously, advancing Allied HON. MARILYN N. MUSGRAVE staunchly loyal advocate. She was born in forces also discovered Hitler’s death camps OF COLORADO Chadbourn, NC in March of 1957, the ninth of and their wretched legacy of inhumanity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ten children of a proud and independent work- As we observe this anniversary, I am truly ing mother. proud to have the American Airpower Museum Tuesday, April 5, 2005 Mae obtained her education in the neighbor- at the Republic Airport in Farmingdale in my Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today hood she so greatly loves and admires. She congressional district. The museum has estab- to honor the life and service of Willis ‘‘Slim’’ attended P.S. 149, I.S. 292 and William H. lished a new permanent tribute to honor those Somervell, who has dedicated his life to God, Maxwell High School in east New York. Mae, who endured the POW ‘‘stalags’’ and to sol- his family, and the United States of America. who has been married for almost 27 years to emnly mark the liberation of the death camps Slim has said, ‘‘You need to be true to your- her childhood sweetheart, Richard Greene, is built by the Third Reich for the purpose of self and you need to have beliefs and a value the proud mother of six children who still live murdering millions of European Jews. system. Without those, what are we?’’ These in east New York as well.

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