January 22, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S85 sincerity, ‘‘That’s all right, ma’am. Some- foreign leaders. ‘‘How can our military be States Senator from Connecticut is the body has to do it. And besides, I think we’re more like America’s?’’ I’ll repeat here today privilege of counting so many extraor- making a difference here.’’ what I’ve said time and time again. It’s not dinary individuals as my constituents. Men and women of the United States our training, although our training is the One of the most extraordinary of Armed Forces for the past four years, we’ve most rigorous in the world. It’s not our tech- been blessed to serve with you as you stand nology, although ours is the most advanced them—Victor Borge—passed away guard in the night, and as you continue to in the world. And it’s not our tactics, al- quietly in his Greenwich, Connecticut, make an extraordinary difference the world though ours in the most revolutionary in the home last month at the age of 91. He over. Because of your patriotism and profes- world. We have the finest military on Earth will be missed by millions of fans the sionalism, because of your dedication and because we have the finest people on Earth, world over, including me. your daring, more people today sleep under because we recruit and we retain the best Victor Borge often famously told his the flag of freedom than at any time in his- that America has to offer. audiences that ‘‘the shortest distance tory. So as I prepare to leave public office, I So the poet asks, ‘‘How should we pre- want to take this final occasion to remind between two people is a smile.’’ Indeed, sume?’’ I was recently asked, ‘‘What’s your all of America: take a look at the leadership the entertainer known the world over legacy? What can you point to with pride that we have, take a look at what you see as the Clown Prince of Denmark was that you’ve helped to make happen on your arrayed before you here. Be inspired by their singularly responsible for millions of watch?’’ Well, I’d never really given any character and their devotion to duty. Stand upturned lips—and untold bouts of thought to legacies. I simply tried to keep in awe of their courage and their profes- hysterical laughter—during a magnifi- the faith of all who have come before me and sionalism and their ability to maintain brav- cent career as a comedian and musi- those who come after. ery in the midst of tragedy and loss. The Chairman stole my thunder here, be- When we stood on the tarmac at Andrews cian that spanned almost a century. cause I was going to engage in just a touch Air Force Base to welcome home the flag- I’d like to take a few minutes today of immodesty, but he already outlined every- drapped coffins of those that we lost in our to remember the remarkable life and thing we’ve done. We have managed to se- embassies in East Africa, when we stood on laughter inspired by Victor Borge, an cure an additional $227 billion for future the pier in Norfolk with the wounded sailors entertainer who gave new meaning to years defense spending. Four years ago we and the families of those who perished in the the expression ‘‘tickling the ivories’’ were told there wouldn’t be any increases. Cole, when we learned of those who were lost by combining comedy and classical We now have an additional $227 billion com- aboard the Osprey, and whenever the phone piano as no one else ever has. He was a rang at midnight or in the early morning ing to our armed forces. That’s a remarkable one-of-a-kind keyboard ham who en- achievement that this team has produced. hours telling me of an accident that would We’ve had the largest defense spending in- not make the headlines, but that would rip a joyed making his audiences laugh as crease in 15 years, the largest pay raise in a hole in the hearts of the families who were much as he enjoyed making music. generation, retirement benefits back up to 50 affected, then we understand why these He was a classically trained concert percent, the elimination of housing inequi- brave men and women and their families pianist who could be in the middle of a ties for those who live off-base, overhauling truly are patriots among us—the pride of breathtaking rendition of Strauss’ the health care system to make sure that we America, the envy of the world. ‘‘Die Fledermaus’’ and suddenly fall give decent health care for the men and Finally, I’d like to pay special tribute to the most remarkable person in my life. When right off the side of his piano bench, women who are serving us and those who sending his audience into hysterics. Or have retired and their families-care that’s you think of Janet Langhart Cohen, you worthy of this nation. think of passion, of fire, of spirit. Creative in a similar stunt, while in the middle We conducted the most successful air cam- ideas spring from her like the cherry blos- of conducting an aria, a soprano’s high paign in the history of warfare. We drove soms around the Tidal Basin, only it’s not note might blast him right off his Milosevic out of Kosovo, and hopefully into just in the spring time, they’re always stool, and he would stoically climb oblivion, or at least to The Hague where he springing forward. And it’s not just the cre- back on, only this time wielding a safe- can stand trial. We kept Saddam Hussein in ativity, it’s moving from the creation of the idea to the actuality of the event. ty belt to bolt himself to his seat. his box and out of his neighbors’ oil fields Sometimes Victor would intentionally and homes. We’ve enlarged the NATO family I think of all she has been able to do—cre- with three new democracies. We’ve strength- ating that first Family Forum or the Pen- strike the wrong pitch at the piano, ened our relationships in South America, in tagon Pops, helping to organize those holi- only to brandish the sheet music and a Africa, the Gulf States, South Korea, Japan, day tours overseas, creating the new USO pair of scissors and literally cut out and all of the Southeast Asian countries. Corridor in the Pentagon and a new liaison the offending note. office in the Pentagon, hosting that Special We’ve reduced nuclear weapons in Russia. We He’s the only musician I know who Assignment television program that goes have established military to military ties worldwide to our troops, receiving the VFW could begin a solemn rendering of Bee- with China. Award, then just last week the Zach Fisher thoven’s ‘‘Moonlight Sonata,’’ then We created the Joint Forces Command, seamlessly slide into Cole Porter’s preparing to deter and counter those who Award, being recognized by the United plot our destruction with weapons of mass States Chamber of Commerce for her work ‘‘Night and Day.’’ To say nothing of his destruction. We have reoriented the Space on behalf of all of those in uniform, and yes, ability to morph Mozart into ‘‘Happy named the First Lady of the USO. But I Command to ensure that we remain as domi- Birthday.’’ Sight gags and musical would say most of all, she has loved our men nant in space and cyberspace as we are on quirks were only part of the act. Borge and women in uniform with a zeal that tran- the battlefields. We’ve accelerated that Rev- always had a stable of rhetorical flour- scends any ability of mine to describe. I have olution in Military Affairs, transforming our never felt more alive—or more ignored—than ishes at the ready, such as, ‘‘Mozart forces so we can marshal and match the when she’s out there with the troops. Lou wrote this piece in four flats, because power of our technology with the force of our Gehrig was wrong, I’m the luckiest man he moved three times while composing ideals. alive. And I want to mention one other thing— it.’’ So it’s time for the two of us to take our we’ve kept our promise to help reconnect I felt lucky to count Victor as my leave. We have a new President who has as- America to its military, to remind the Amer- friend. I’ll never forget the many times sembled a great new national security team ican people that we must take care of those I tried to give a speech to a roomful of and they will, with your help and God’s help, who take care of us and that freedom can be continue to make the United States of Amer- people, only to find myself drawn into lost just as easily through indifference and ica the greatest force for freedom in the the role of his straight man as he joked neglect as it can through warfare. world. with the droopy-faced delivery that In his wonderful book, On the Origins of I’d like to close with the paraphrased made everyone laugh until in hurt. War and the Preservation of Peace, Donald words of the poet Tagore. ‘‘When one comes Kagan talked about Athenian democracy. He His comic genius hid the life story of and whispers to me, ‘Thy days are ended,’ let a European Jew who narrowly escaped said that in the end, more than they wanted me say to him, ‘I have lived and loved and freedom, they wanted security. And when Nazi persecution. Borge was born in not in mere time.’ And he will ask, ‘Will thy Copenhagen, Denmark, to a father who the Athenians finally wanted not to give to songs remain?’ And I shall say, ‘I know not, society, but for society to give to them, but this I know. That often when I sang, I was a violinist in the Royal Danish when the freedom that they wished for was found my eternity.’’’ Thank you. Philharmonic. The younger Borge was freedom from responsibility, then Athens a child prodigy concert pianist, f ceased to be free. We should never let that debuting at age 8, and a Scandinavian happen to the United States of America. TRIBUTE TO THE LATE VICTOR star by his early 20s. By 1940, he was at General Shelton, you quoted Chamberlain, BORGE one of my heroes. And I would suggest that the top of the Nazis’ extermination list no words better describe those that we serve. Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, one because he poked fun at Hitler and the On countless occasions I’ve been asked by of the great joys of being a United Third Reich in his act. Ultimately,

VerDate 19-JAN-2001 03:57 Jan 23, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A22JA6.009 pfrm02 PsN: S22PT1 S86 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE January 22, 2001 though, his music helped save his life Naval Sea Systems Command and Pro- aging and developing chambers, and when two Russian diplomats who were gram Manager for the Navy Advanced has demonstrated success in a number fans of his show helped smuggle him on Prototyping Program. of key areas including economic and a ship bound for Finland, where Borge For the last fifteen years, Mr. Metrey community development, technology found his way onto the S.S. American has served as Technical Director of the and tourism initiatives and govern- Legion, one of the last boats out of Eu- Naval Surface Warfare Center, ment affairs. Her success in developing rope. Carderock Division, where he has had a a highly visible seacoast regional hos- Victor Borge arrived in New York profound impact on the Navy’s ap- pitality and tourism program, her skill penniless and speaking no English. But proach to researching, developing, test- and her record of accomplishment are a he quickly learned the language by ing and evaluating naval vehicles. Dur- tribute to her state and community. watching 10-cent movies in midtown ing this time, Richard was directly re- If the accolades of peers are any Manhattan theaters. In less than two sponsible for the Division’s entire tech- measure of achievement, Robin is at years, he had adapted his act to the nical program—its planning, execution, the top of her game. Her energy, enthu- English language and debuted on the and staffing of current programs, as siasm and skill have allowed her to ac- Bing Crosby radio show. Within a dec- well as strategic planning and new complish great things for the Granite ade he had appeared on Ed Sullivan and starts. Prior to that, Mr. Metrey also State, and I have no doubt that she been offered his own radio program. By served in the Navy Secretariat in a will be a tremendous asset in her new the end of his career, Borge’s one-man range of important responsibilities position. It is an honor and a privilege Broadway show, ‘‘Comedy in Music,’’ from Deputy Assistant Secretary of the to serve Robin Comstock in the United had logged 849 performances, which is Navy for Surface Warfare to principal States Senate, and I wish her all the still a record today. advisor to the Assistant Secretary of best.∑ Over the last half-century, he also the Navy for Surface Warfare Research f developed credentials as an orchestra and Development and Acquisition. DEAN KAMEN conductor, directing the London and Mr. Metrey’s colleagues attest to the New York Philharmonics, the Philadel- ingenuity and integrity he has brought ∑ Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. phia Orchestra, and the Boston Pops. to the positions in which he has served. President, I rise today to honor Dean He also raised millions of dollars for His contributions and accomplishments Kamen of Bedford, New Hampshire, worthy causes such as Thanks to Scan- have been recognized through many whose dedication to the field of tech- dinavia, a scholarship fund to com- prestigious awards, including the Pres- nology has earned him the admiration memorate efforts to help victims of idential Rank Meritorious Executive and gratitude of his state and nation. Nazi persecution. Victor was knighted Award, the Navy Superior Civilian As a testament to his many extraor- by all five Scandinavian countries for Service Award and numerous Out- dinary achievements, Dean was award- his life’s work, and was honored by the standing Performance Awards—to ed the National Medal of Technology United Nations as well as the U.S. Con- name only a few. He has also been se- by President Clinton in 2000 for inven- gress. lected to serve as the United States tions that have advanced medical care I will never forget the night of De- representative on several international worldwide. His innovative spirit and cember 29, 1999, right here in Wash- forums, and on high level committees, imaginative leadership have awakened ington, when Victor received the pres- including the Congressionally estab- America to the excitement of science tigious Kennedy Center Honors along lished Advanced Submarine Advisory and technology. with Jason Robards, Sean Connery, and Panel. Dean’s remarkable career as an in- Stevie Wonder. President Clinton hung I came to know Richard Metrey in ventor began while he was still a col- a medal around his neck that night in the early 1990s during the Base Closure lege undergraduate, when he invented recognition of his life achievements, and Realignment (BRAC) process. Hav- the first wearable infusion pump. This and Borge—clowning around into his ing had the opportunity to work with device rapidly found uses in such di- 90s—showed up at the reception after- him during the BRAC and on other verse medical specialties as chemo- ward in a red clown nose. matters, I can also attest firsthand to therapy, neonatology, and endocri- Years ago, on the occasion of his 75th his professionalism and deep commit- nology. Since then Dean has played a birthday, the New York Times wrote ment to our Navy and its mission. It is leading role in many major advances in an editorial calling Victor Borge, sim- my firm conviction that public service healthcare, such as the insulin pump ply, ‘‘the funniest man on earth.’’ To is one of the most honorable callings, for diabetics. He was also instrumental me, he was also eloquently warm, gift- one that demands the very best, most in the development of IBOT, a personal ed, and brilliant—a bright and irre- dedicated efforts of those who have the transporter developed for the disabled pressible star who lit the world around opportunity to serve their fellow citi- community, which is capable of climb- him. We shall miss him. zens and country. Throughout his ca- ing stairs, traversing sandy and rocky terrain and raise its user to eye-level f reer, Richard Metrey’s commitment and remarkable talent have enabled with a standing person. ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS him to go beyond meeting this demand. Nearly a decade ago, Dean founded So I want to extend my personal grati- FIRST (For Inspiration and Recogni- tion of Science and Technology) to mo- TRIBUTE TO RICHARD METREY tude to Richard for these many years of hard work and dedication and I wish tivate America’s youth to learn about ∑ Mr. SARBANES. Mr. President, him well in whatever endeavors he science and technology, and has per- today I want to pay tribute to an out- seeks to undertake in the years ahead.∑ sonally recruited many of the top lead- standing public servant, Mr. Richard f ers of industry, education and govern- Metrey, who retired last week after 41 ment in this mission. He has been rec- years of Government service in the ROBIN COMSTOCK ognized for his efforts by prestigious United States Navy. ∑ Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. publications such as Smithsonian Mag- Throughout his career, Richard Chairman, I rise today to honor Robin azine and the New York Times, which Metrey has distinguished himself Comstock of Nottingham, New Hamp- labeled him a ‘‘New Kind of Hero for through his leadership, commitment shire, the newly appointed President American Youth.’’ and dedication to public service, and by and CEO of the Greater Manchester Dean’s passion for technology and its making government work better and Chamber of Commerce, whose enthu- practical uses has changed the face of more efficiently. Beginning as a siasm, leadership, and dedication have healthcare and inspired a love of project engineer in the Ships Machin- earned her the respect of her peers and science in a generation of American ery Division of the former Bureau of the admiration of this state. children. Because of his extraordinary Ships, he swiftly worked his way up Robin has served for the past six achievements, we have a new under- through the ranks into positions in years as President and CEO of the standing of ourselves and the world, as senior management, including Head of Portsmouth Chamber. She has an ex- well as a renewed hope for the future. the Combat Systems Branch in the tensive background in running, man- It is an honor to represent Dean in the

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