May 8, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E621 being inducted into the Maine Franco-Amer- vocate to three Presidents and six Secretaries testimony and counsel to Congress and the ican Hall of Fame this year. Father Jacques of State, America might not have understood Executive Branch, Mark published in 2003 his LaPointe of Madawaska, Dr. Lisa Marrache´ of how the promotion of human rights, democ- groundbreaking Breaking the Real Axis of Evil: Waterville, Cindy Larouck of Lewiston, and racy and American values strategically tracks How to Oust the World’s Last Dictators by Judge Michael Cantara of Biddeford are rep- with the promotion of American national secu- 2025. In it, he argued for a revamping of U.S. resentative of the enduring strength and influ- rity interests. foreign policy to make worldwide promotion of ence of Maine’s French heritage. There are many examples of how history a primary goal. Legislation based This year’s inductees join the ranks of was made by the man once described by The on the book was sponsored by Senator JOHN Maine’s finest Franco-American leaders. Each New York Times ‘‘as the most active Western MCCAIN and my late colleague and fellow of these honorees have made enormous con- booster for economic and political liberaliza- Palmer admirer Tom Lantos, and was signed tributions to the preservation and advance- tion’’ of Communist . They are ex- into law by President George W. Bush on Au- ment of our state’s unique history and culture. amples of why, at the celebration of the 20th gust 3, 2007. Entitled ‘‘ADVANCE Democracy Father Jacques LaPointe is a key member anniversary of ’s liberation from com- Act of 2007’’, it was described by a scholar at of the greater Madawaska community and a munist , Mark was awarded a the Carnegie Endowment for International respected author on the history of the St. John Commander’s Cross of Hungary’s Order of Peace as ‘‘. . . the most important bill . . . on Valley. Merit because, as ‘‘the right man at the right democracy promotion since the 1983 initiative Lisa Marrache´ is an accomplished physician time at the right place . . . he rose to the oc- to establish the National Endowment for De- and legislator who has long worked to pre- casion [of] shepherding democratic opposition mocracy . . .’’ serve French culture in Maine, including as a . . . through . . . turbulent times by giving [it] Mark’s business career was as successful founder of the Franco-American Heritage Soci- legitimacy.’’ They are reasons why Mark re- as his diplomatic career and was often fo- ety of the Kennebec Valley. ceived three Presidential Awards and two Su- cused on the same objectives. Knowing the Cindy Larouck is well-known across her perior Honor Awards from the Department of critical value of free and unmonitored informa- hometown of Lewiston and the state of Maine State during a 26 year career as a Foreign tion in dictatorial and post-dictatorial countries, for her efforts to share and revive her love of Service officer. he founded Central European Media Enter- A great moment in Mark Palmer’s career— traditional Franco-American dance and music. prises Ltd. which, with local partners, estab- and proof of how his ideas have shaped Michael Cantara is a highly regarded public lished, owned and operated the first politically events—was his role while in the Foreign servant, having previously served as Mayor of independent national television stations in the Service as co-drafter of President Ronald his hometown of Biddeford, York County Dis- , , , , Reagan’s great 1982 Westminster Hall ‘‘De- and Poland. He was a co-founder of trict Attorney, Maine Public Safety Commis- mocracy Crusade’’ speech on democracy and Television Development Partners and Signal sioner, and now as a District Court Judge. He human rights. The speech, whose every word One Media Corporation—ventures for the es- has long been an unyielding force for the had to be fought through a resistant bureauc- tablishment of independent, commercial sat- preservation of Maine’s Franco-American her- racy, was a critical step in moving the United ellite TV channels in the . He itage. States from a policy of accepting and con- chaired the advisory board of New Tang Dy- The Franco-American Hall of Fame will also taining communism to what became the suc- posthumously honor five Mainers for their out- cessful policy of peacefully challenging it. nasty Television, and strongly backed the standing contributions to the State of Maine: Thanks to Mark, the speech also led to the es- launch of the first uncensored satellite TV Leon Albert Guimond, Adolphe and Napoleon tablishment of the National Endowment for broadcasts into . In what may prove as great a contribution to Gingras, Louis Phillipe Gagne, and Camille Democracy—which he had proposed and later 21st century world freedom as those Mark Bolduc. served as a key board member. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring After his Foreign Service career, Mark made during the 20th century, he led the effort these outstanding individuals as they are per- served for nearly twenty years as Vice Chair to establish a robust U.S. initiative to over- manently and fittingly recognized for their tre- of , one of America’s primary come the Internet firewalls of China, Iran and mendous contributions to the state of Maine human rights organizations. He was honorary other closed society regimes. Mark knew what and Franco-American culture. chair and co-founder of the International Man- the world’s dictators know—that Internet fire- f agement Center in , Hungary and walls are present day equivalents of the brick and barbed wire walls he helped bring down TRIBUTE TO MARK PALMER served on the boards of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, the in the 20th century. He knew what China’s Georgetown University Institute for the Study former Premier Hu Jintao has openly acknowl- HON. FRANK R. WOLF of Diplomacy, the Budapest International Cen- edged—that the ability of closed society re- OF VIRGINIA tre for Democratic Transition, the American gimes to ‘‘purify’’ the Internet is critical to their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Academy of Diplomacy, the Association for ability to remain in power. Thus, when millions of house church Christians freely and safely Wednesday, May 8, 2013 Diplomatic Studies and Training, the University of the District of Columbia, the Friends of conduct worship services over their mobile Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, there are some Falun Gong, and the Secretary of State’s Ad- phones in China, and when hundreds of thou- who argue that the world’s destinies are visory Committee on Democracy Promotion. sands of Iranians in and out of the country shaped by impersonal forces rather than by Mark was the brains and inspiration behind conduct interactive town meetings—as I be- the courage and determination of individual another great institution whose positive impact lieve will soon occur—this development will be men and women. will grow over the years. He helped to estab- a tribute to the vision that Mark inspired many I believe that historians of that persuasion lish the Community of , a global of us to share during the latter part of his pro- never met my friend, and freedom’s friend, assembly of democratic governments that now ductive life. Mark Palmer. I rise to celebrate the life of Am- meets annually in support of democracy and Mark came early to his activism in the bassador Mark Palmer, who died recently after human rights and to deepen the bonds be- cause of human rights, participating during the a characteristically brave and uncomplaining tween democratic governments. Mark served early 1960s in Freedom Bus rides and other twenty year battle against melanoma. as Vice Chair of the Community’s permanent civil rights demonstrations while a student at But for Mark’s controversial determination operating body, its Council. As but one exam- , from which he graduated while U.S. ambassador to Hungary that the ple of the Council’s work and Mark’s efforts on magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. Tak- barbed wire fences between Hungary and its behalf, he initiated and helped write in- ing similar action, Mark regularly sought out Austria should be severed in order to allow creasingly influential training handbooks that and met with dissidents in Moscow and Bel- East Germans to leave the Communist orbit, guide U.S. diplomats and military officers to grade early in his career as a junior Foreign the Berlin Wall might still be standing. But for assist democratic promotion and transition. In Service Officer. As a private citizen, he re- his brave willingness to openly challenge Hun- Mark’s honor, the Council established Palmer turned to in 1996 to march with stu- gary’s Communist government when conven- Prizes for contributions by diplomats to the ad- dents against the criminal regime of then Ser- tional thinkers at the State Department and vancement of democracy that were first bian President Slobodan Milosevic. elsewhere were worried about the ‘‘desta- awarded in 2011 to diplomats from seven Patriotism is said to be an honorable com- bilizing’’ effects of a Communist collapse, the countries for pro-human rights efforts in such petition with one’s ancestors, and Mark had Soviet Empire might still be in power. But for nations as , and Zimbabwe. many models that helped make him the man Mark’s years of incomparably influential serv- A frequent author of policy and advocacy he became. He was born on July 14, 1941 in ice as a and pro-democracy ad- pieces to leading media outlets, and of expert Ann Arbor, Michigan to the late Captain Robie

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:02 May 09, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A08MY8.011 E08MYPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 8, 2013 Ellis Palmer, USN and the late Katherine respect Mr. Edwards through the Aspen-Rodel tion and slavery practices of the South. From Hooker Palmer. His mother was the grand- program. 1813 to 1856, the black community of Omaha daughter of Civil War Colonel George W. Mr. Edwards’ impressive resume does not worshipped with the white community although Hooker, an Antietam Medal of Honor winner of fully encompass the accomplishments of this only a select number of blacks were allowed the 4th Vermont Volunteers who was later ap- extraordinary man. He continues to fight for to attend church, including the overseer, the pointed Assistant Adjutant General of Union cooperation between parties and for placing maids and the cooks. They had to sit in the Army Volunteers by President Lincoln. Not national interest ahead of political gain, en- back of the church and were not allowed to long after Mr. Palmer’s birth, his father left to couraging and educating young Americans on participate. As time passed, more members of take command of the submarine USS Pollack, the benefits of civil discourse and com- the black community were allowed to attend which operated in the Pacific theater and promise. A man worthy of professional acco- the worship service but remained unsatisfied served in several dangerous missions in Japa- lades and personal respect, Mr. Edwards is with the arrangement of services being held at nese waters. truly committed to his family, his community Summer Hill Baptist Church, as it was known America—and the world—will miss Mark. and his country. His is an example we should then. But as my colleagues on both sides of the all strive to emulate. I am privileged to call him After the Emancipation Proclamation was aisle know—Mark’s legacy will be with us for a friend and salute him for this tremendous signed in 1865, the black community of years and generations to come. When men and well-deserved honor. Omaha was still discontented with the church and women escape the chains of 21st century f service arrangement and called for a church of oppression, they will be in Mark Palmer’s debt their own. In 1866, the white community had as we, his friends, will forever be. YOM YERUSHALAYIM, JERUSALEM a church built within the city limits of Omaha Finally, in rising to celebrate Mark I rise as DAY and donated the old church to the black com- well to celebrate his cherished partner in all munity. It was then used as both a school and that he accomplished during his distinguished HON. LOIS FRANKEL a church and the name was changed to Mount career—his wife of 47 years, Dr. Sushma OF FLORIDA Mariah Missionary Baptist Church. Palmer. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1890, a church was built within the Omaha city limits for the black families living f Wednesday, May 8, 2013 and working there so they wouldn’t have to TRIBUTE TO MICKEY EDWARDS Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, 46 walk as far on Sunday and be tired for work years ago today Israel liberated its capital city on Monday. The church continued to grow and HON. TODD ROKITA of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War, allowing formed an organization named the ‘‘Mt. Mariah OF INDIANA Jews for the first time in decades to visit Juda- Baptist Church Association.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ism’s holiest site, the Western Wall. That is In 1911, the church bought six acres of land why Jews across my home District in South Wednesday, May 8, 2013 for $412.00 to build a new church, fellowship Florida today are celebrating Yom hall and cemetery. This structure stood until a Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Yerushalayim, Jerusalem Day. tornado tore through the Omaha area and de- recognize and salute a remarkable American, In synagogues and community centers from stroyed the church. Through the sadness and Mickey Edwards, who has been elected to the Palm Beach, to Boca Raton, to Ft. Lauder- the tears came a firm resolve and an American Academy of Arts and Sciences in dale, and indeed around the world, Jews are unyielding faith in the Lord to build a new recognition of his excellence in journalism, rejoicing with song, dance, and prayer, while church. After working hard to raise the funds, public affairs, and communication. also commemorating the solemn sacrifice of on November 9, 1947, the new church was An Ohio native, Mr. Edwards has achieved hundreds of Israeli soldiers whose lives were dedicated with much prayer, song, and joy. continued success throughout his long career cut short in the Battle for Jerusalem. Throughout the years, the church was re- as a public servant. After receiving his edu- Jerusalem has been the heart of the Jewish modeled and improved with help, funds and cation from the University of Oklahoma and people for thousands of years. Through cen- donations from its members. It has seen many Oklahoma City University School of Law, he turies of exile, Jerusalem remained the focal great leaders, each one leaving their lasting began his career in news media and public re- point of Jewish aspiration. In fact, Jews have mark on the church. Today, under the leader- lations. He was later elected to represent the always prayed toward the Western Wall re- ship of Pastor Marcus B. Hunter, the pros- 5th Congressional District of Oklahoma for six- gardless of where they stood geographically in pering church looks back on 200 years of teen years and was a senior member of the the world. hardship, unending faith, and ultimate suc- House Republican leadership. He served as That is why Israel’s founding Prime Minister cess. Chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, David Ben-Gurion said in 1947, ‘‘No city in the The story of Mt. Mariah Missionary Baptist was a member of both the House Appropria- world, not even Athens or Rome, ever played Church, which began during a dark and di- tions and Budget Committees, and was the as great a role in the life of a nation for so vided time in our nation’s history, is a truly in- ranking member of the House Subcommittee long a time, as Jerusalem has done in the life spiring one of the dedication and persever- on Foreign Operations. After leaving Con- of the Jewish people.’’ ance of a faithful congregation of people who gress, he taught government and public policy f put all their love and trust in the Lord. at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to IN RECOGNITION OF MT. MARIAH Harvard Law School, and Georgetown Univer- join me in paying tribute to Mt. Mariah Mis- MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH’S sity’s Public Policy Institute. sionary Baptist Church in Omaha, Georgia for 200TH ANNIVERSARY Mr. Edwards is a widely respected columnist their long history of coming together through and contributor whose work has appeared in the good and difficult times to praise and wor- news outlets including the Chicago Tribune, HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. ship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Examiner, OF GEORGIA f the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES , He is the author of two HONORING THE DOS PALOS DIVINO books, the co-author of a third, and has con- Wednesday, May 8, 2013 ESPIRITO SANTO tributed chapters to several more publications. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is Mr. Edwards has chaired several task forces my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere HON. JIM COSTA for the Brookings Institution, the Council on congratulations to the congregation of Mt. OF CALIFORNIA Foreign Relations, and the Constitution Mariah Missionary Baptist Church in Omaha, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Project. He has also been an adviser to the Georgia as the church’s membership and U.S. Department of State and is a member of leadership celebrates a remarkable 200 years. Wednesday, May 8, 2013 the Princeton Project on National Security. He The congregation of Mt. Mariah Missionary Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to is currently a lecturer at Princeton University’s Baptist Church will celebrate this very signifi- celebrate the 90th ‘‘Festa do Divino Espirito Woodrow Wilson School of Public and Inter- cant anniversary with a Bicentennial Celebra- Santo’’ or the Festival of the Divine Holy Spirit national Affairs, is a vice president of the tion on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at the Church in Dos Palos, California. This annual festa is Aspen Institute, and is director of the Insti- in Omaha, Georgia. a lively gathering that promotes family rec- tute’s Aspen-Rodel Fellowships in Public Tracing its roots back to the antebellum era, onciliation and peace, through prayer and Leadership program. I came to know, like, and the church was an illustration of the segrega- charity.

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