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“TRIBUTE TO RON BROWN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Senate section on pages S3709-S3711 on April 19, 1996.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO RON BROWN
Mr. DODD. Mr. President, just 2 weeks ago, this Nation was saddened and anguished by the tragic death of Commerce Secretary Ron Brown and 32 other Government and business leaders in Croatia. As a very close personal friend of Ron Brown's, I regret deeply, Mr. President, that I could not be here to console his widow, Alma, and his children, Michael and Tracy, in their time of grief. My thoughts and prayers today, as they have been over the last several weeks, are with the Brown family and with the families of all of the victims of this terrible tragedy.
Although we have many pressing issues before us in this body, Mr. President, I want to take just a few minutes, if I can, to reflect and remember the extraordinary and distinguished legacy of Ron Brown. As I stand before the Senate here today, many thoughts come to mind, Mr. President, about Ron Brown--civil rights activists, Democratic Party chairman, Commerce Secretary, bridge builder, and certainly a very close and dear personal friend.
Beyond my great sense of personal loss, Mr. President, when I think of Ron Brown I also think of public service and public servant. From all the time that I knew Ron Brown, from when he was a trusted aide to our colleague, Senator Kennedy, to when he was chairman of the Democratic Party and his last role as Secretary of Commerce, Ron Brown epitomized, in my view, what public service is all about. Ron Brown labored tirelessly for what he believed in. It seemed that no obstacle could prevent him from attaining his goals.
At a time when respect for public service and public servants has diminished, when pundits too often cynically demean those who serve America, Ron Brown presented the quiet dignity that comes with superb public servants. Ron believed that one person committed to a task with conviction in their heart could make a difference, and he certainly did. His labors were the embodiment of George Bernard Shaw's timeless words, ``You see things, and you say why; but I dream things that never were and say why not.''
On April 3, when Secretary Brown's plane crashed in Croatia, Mr. President, I was in Ireland to fulfill a long-standing commitment. Together with Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith and Prime Minister Bruton, we attended and participated in a wonderful memorial service dedicate to Ron Brown's memory at St. Patrick's Cathedral.
I say as an aside, Mr. President, we anticipated 30 or 40 people would show up, maybe from the Embassy staff, to come by and pay their respects. In fact, over 500 people unannounced showed up at the cathedral that morning to participate in that service. I want to thank Dean Stewart, who was in charge of St. Patrick's Cathedral, along with other members of the clergy from throughout Ireland who participated that morning, as well as some very distinguished people who sang and purchased musical pieces in memory of Ron Brown, not to mention the 500 people that came from across the island of Ireland to express their sense of loss.
For all of us there that morning, Mr. President, our remembrances of Ron Brown hearken back to the visit he had made to Ireland 2 years ago, to which I was a member, a trip not unlike the one to Croatia, involving some 15 chief executive officers of businesses in this country, as well as others from the House and the Senate that were part of an economic mission to Northern Ireland.
A visit, Ambassador Smith reminded us, which led to President Clinton to dub Ron Brown an ``honorary Irishman,'' and it was mentioned again by her that morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Ron Brown, Mr. President, had come to Ireland with an ambitious but challenging goal: To make the dream of peace during the formal cease-fire in Northern Ireland a reality. Certainly, it was no easy task, as we know, even today.
For anyone who knew Ron Brown, there were not too many challenges that phased him. While I had known him for many years, it was on that trip to Ireland that I had the opportunity to see firsthand the enthusiasm and optimism that infused him.
Remarkably, Mr. President, I watched an African-American man, born and raised in Harlem, with no ethnic or religious connection to Ireland, come to that island and champion the peace process and the opportunities for economic development. While on that trip, Ron Brown became the first U.S. Cabinet secretary to make an official visit to Belfast.
The success of Ron's trip to Ireland prompted President Clinton to send Ron on many other missions across the globe, including the one to the former Yugoslavia, a mission which ended so tragically on that rainy and wind-swept mountain in Croatia. This final mission, Mr. President, was one of many that Ron tirelessly made to the world's troubled spots promoting American companies and American workers.
As Secretary of Commerce, on one level, Ron's job, of course, was to promote U.S. business interests, which he did very, very well. But for all who knew Ron Brown well, his interests ran much deeper than that. Ron Brown used the legitimate goal of increasing U.S. economic opportunities as a means of advancing other interests as well.
Ron traveled to many places that are beginning the difficult journey toward reconciliation and economic revitalization because, as a public man, a public servant, he believed that the dynamism of private enterprise could help bring lasting peace to regions that, for years, had known only violence and hatred.
But Ron Brown understood that these trips were about more than just helping business or free enterprise. As Ambassador Smith noted in her eulogy in Dublin a week ago, these trips were truly--to use her words--
``peace and democracy missions, too, missions of hope and idealism.''
Mr. President, these trips were about promoting the importance of work, and the notion that through economic opportunity, the process of political reconciliation could begin and, more importantly, could last.
In the absence of it, of course, no permanent healing will ever occur.
From Ron Brown's earliest days, at his first job carrying records and reading public service announcements at WLIB-AM, a radio station in Harlem, he understood the critical importance of work. He understood that there is nothing as rewarding, for individuals or a nation, as waking up in the morning, going to work, and coming home in the evening knowing that you have earned a true wage.
That is why Ron Brown went to Ireland and so many other places, and it is why he was in the Balkans on that tragic evening.
Ron Brown knew that after the peace treaties were signed and when the guns were finally laid to rest, the possibility of a truly lasting peace anyplace around the globe would depend on every person having the same opportunity to realize today the dream of a far better tomorrow for themselves and their families.
When Ron Brown journeyed to the Balkans, he took with him the unquenchable spirit of American optimism. He sought to use American enterprise and the American can-do spirit to promote economic development as a means of bringing a truly lasting peace. And he sought to heal the lingering anguish of ethnic violence with a promise of a brighter future for all the peoples of the region.
Ron Brown leaves this world, Mr. President, with an amazing legacy. He was the first African-American to head a major political party in our country. He was the first African-American to be Secretary of Commerce. He rebuilt the Democratic Party, and he certainly helped to elect President Clinton in 1992. He used the Commerce Department to create millions of jobs for American workers and spread the doctrine of economic development and cooperation across the globe.
Ron Brown enjoyed a full and all-too-brief life on this Earth and must be a source of inspiration to all of us, in not just Government, but in our Nation as a whole.
In Ireland, Prime Minister Bruton described Ron Brown in these words, which I think bear repeating--as a role model ``for those looking for inspiration as to how a life can be led for the good of others.''
Ron Brown understood, Mr. President, that our lives must have purpose and direction. And we can best remember him by emulating the way he lived his life. Mr. President, I think the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said it well when he said, ``I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show for any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.''
Ron Brown's life symbolized these solemn words. While he passed through our world, Mr. President, he did good. He showed kindness and, regrettably--so regrettably--he will not pass this way again.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the comments of our Ambassador, Jean Kennedy Smith, along with an article that appeared in the Irish Times, which captured, as well, the remarks of Prime Minister Bruton, who spoke at the memorial service in Dublin, be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in the Record, as follows:
Remarks by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith at Memorial Service for
Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown and His Delegation
Taoiseach, distinguished guests, and friends of Ron Brown, of Chuck Meissner, and of the other brave pioneers for peace whose lives of courage and service were so tragically cut short last week.
This has, indeed, been a sad week for America, a sad week for Ireland. We have lost friends. But today, we gather not only to mourn them, but to celebrate their lives.
Last night, I spoke with Alma Brown and told her of the memorial service we were holding today. She was so pleased that Ron was to be remembered in this way by the people of Ireland, because this country was so important to him.
I first met Ron Brown in the fall of 1979. My brother, Ted, was about to begin a campaign for President of the United States in 1980. My husband, Steve, was to manage the campaign, as he had done for my brothers, Jack and Bob. Steve needed a deputy campaign manager for civil rights, and everyone said that Ron Brown was the perfect choice--a new young leader in the civil rights movement, and a worthy heir of the Reverend Martin Luther King.
We all loved Ron from the start. He served far above and beyond the call of duty in the campaign. He gave his heart to Ted and Steve and all of us in the Kennedy family gave our hearts to Ron.
In the years since, I saw him often, most recently during his frequent visits to Ireland. He once told me that he felt a special welcome and sense of humanity in Ireland, even for those who are not of Irish descent. In fact, he enjoyed his time here so much that President Clinton dubbed him an honorary Irishman.
Ron Brown was an original. I never met a person who had greater ability to go into a hornet's nest, come out with the honey, and leave all the bees laughing. No tunnel was too long or too dark for Ron to not see the light at the end. His warmth, and wit, and optimism were inspiring and infectious.
He was a charismatic leader, who was good at every job he ever took on--as a leader in the civil rights movement, chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, and as the Secretary of Commerce. A son of Harlem, he was a remarkable American success story, and he dedicated his life to helping others achieve their potential and their dreams, as he had one.
He brought that same spirit of optimism to Ireland. As he said during President Clinton's historic visit, he found a
``belief in self that wasn't here before.''
``We are on a path,'' he said, ``and we won't be denied.''
Ron was deeply committed to public service, and he instilled that commitment in all who worked for him; in Chuck Meissner, his tireless assistant secretary of commerce, who felt very strongly the pulse for peace in Northern Ireland, and in all those from the Department of Commerce who are here today. The mission Ron Brown led to South Africa and China, to the Middle East and Northern Ireland, and, finally, to Bosnia, were more than trade missions. They were peace and democracy missions too, missions to hope and idealism. The understood that peace, prosperity, and economic justice go hand in hand.
As President Clinton has said, ``Ron Brown walked and ran and flew through life. He was a magnificent life force.''
In the wake of that force, in the wake of that remarkable life, all of us who knew Ron Brown, Chuck Meissner, and the members of the delegation, all of us who were fortunate to be touched by their warmth and share their vision must try to carry on their work for peace, for that is their legacy to us.
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Bruton Says Brown Was a Model for All Who Want To Help Others
(By Mark Brennock)
Politicians, business people and many others who knew Ron Brown gathered in Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral yesterday to honour an African-American whom President Clinton had dubbed ``an honorary Irishman.''
As one who had not known him the Dean of St. Patrick's the Very Rev Maurice Stewart, said he had two images of the late U.S. Commerce Secretary in his mind.
The first was of a man who had been praised after his death by Northern Irish politicians of both persuasions.
The second was that when Mr. Brown was seen on television,
``he always seemed to be smiling. He was a happy man, and these days, that is as good an image as any politician could project.''
Mr. Brown was among 33 people killed last week when their plane crashed in Crostia. He had been on a trade and aid mission to Bosnia and Crotia, He was also a key figure in the US Administration's involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process.
The US Ambassador, Ms. Jean Kennedy Smith, told the congregation Mr. Brown had once said he felt ``a special welcome and sense of humanity in Ireland, even for those who are not of Irish descent. In fact, he enjoyed his time here so much that President Clinton dubbed him an honorary Irishman.
``The missions Ron Brown led to South Africa and China, to the Middle East and Northern Ireland and, finally, to Bosnia, were more than trade missions. They were peace and democracy missions too, missions of hope and idealism. He understood that peace, prosperity and justice go hand in hand.''
She said everyone who had known Mr. Brown, Mr. Chuck Meissner and the others who died in the plane crash ``must try to carry on their work for peace, for that is their legacy to us.''
US Senator Chris Dodd, who had travelled to Ireland with Mr. Brown in recent years, said on one level he had been in Ireland to promote US business, but ``Ron Brown understood that these trips were about far more than promoting business.
``He knew that after the peace treaties were signed and the guns laid to rest, the possibility of a truly lasting peace depended on each person having the same opportunity to realize their dreams of a better tomorrow. He sought to heal the lingering anguish and ethnic violence with the promise of brighter opportunities.
``On the trip to Ireland, I . . . watched an African-American born and raised in Harlem with no ties here come and champion the cause of peace and economic opportunity in Ireland.''
The Taoiscach, Mr. Bruton hailed Mr. Brown as a role model
``for those looking for inspiration as to how a life can be led for the good of others''. He said Mr. Brown had brought his experience of a Harlem upbringing and his involvement in the civil rights movement to work towards the creation of ``a structure of peace'' in the world.
``As head of the Irish Government I want to thank him for the enormous interest he took in peace and prosperity on this small island.''
Ireland was not a major strategic interest for the US, he said. The US could have confined itself to expressing pious words and the occasional reference to Ireland at election time. But the Clinton Administration had gone far beyond that.
The President, who is in the west of Ireland, was represented at the service by her aide-decamp, Col. Bernard Howard. The attendance included the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Mr. Sean D. Dublin Bay Loftus.
The Government was also represented by the Minister for Finance, Mr. Quinn; the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, Mr. Bruton; and the Minister for Tourism and Trade, Mr. Kenny. Ministers of State present included Mr. Pat Rabbitte and Mr. Austin Currie.
Other politicians attending included the ?ianna ??il deputy leader, Ms. Mary O'Rourke, the Progressive Democrats leader, Ms. Mary Harney, and the former PD leader, Mr. Desmond O'Malley Sinn Fein was represented by Monaghan, counsellor Mr. * * *
There was a large representation from the US Embassy. Among the other diplomatic missions represented were those of Norway, Thailand, Nigeria and Israel.
A large contingent from the Department of Foreign Affairs included the second secretary, Mr. Sean O hUiginn, the Chief of Protocol, Mr. John O. Burke and Mr. Brendan Scannell of the Anglo-Irish division. The Taoiscach's programme manager. Mr. Sean Donlon, and representatives of a number of other government Departments were also present.
Mr. FEINGOLD addressed the Chair.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Wisconsin is recognized.
Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I appreciate the unanimous consent to speak for 20 minutes. Let me associate myself strongly with both sets of remarks by the Senator from Connecticut--first, as to our good friend and great loss with regard to Secretary Brown, who we will miss greatly. And, second, nothing could be more on our minds today than the horror of last year in Oklahoma City. The moments of silence here and across the country were a fitting reminder of that tragedy, but also a time to feel some real gratitude toward the employees of our Federal Government, who do not always get treated with all the respect and admiration they deserve. They had a very rough year in 1995. I, for one, want to thank them for their services and the sacrifices of their families throughout the country, particularly with regard to those who suffered the loss in Oklahoma City.
I thank the Senator from Connecticut for his remarks.
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