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Honoring Former Illinois Representative Edward Derwinski

Volume
Volume 158 , Number 9
Pages
Pages H92
Legislative Body
House
Date
Mon, Jan. 23, 2012

(Mrs. BIGGERT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

Rep. Judy Biggert

legislator photo
Party
R
State
IL

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great sadness to report the passing of former Illinois Representative Edward Derwinski.

Congressman Derwinski dedicated his life to public service, including 24 years here in the House serving Illinois' Fourth District from 1959 to 1983. He passed away on January 15 at the age of 85. Perhaps best known for his colorful and engaging personality, he went on to serve as the Undersecretary of State for National Security Affairs, and in 1989 he led efforts to renew our country's commitment to its veterans as first ever Secretary for Veterans Affairs.

President George H.W. Bush once said of Ed, a former infantryman in World War II, that he had the skill of a seasoned legislator, the patience of a practiced administrator, the finesse of a diplomat, and the heart of a man who knows what it means to start his government career as a private in the United States Army.

Today I join my colleagues in the Illinois delegation in honoring his service to our State and Nation. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who knew him best, especially his wife, Bonnie; son, Michael; daughter, Maureen; stepdaughter, Maggie; stepson, Kevin; sister, Bernadette; and his seven grandchildren.