FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2008
Jackie Speier's statement on the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos
Today is a sad day for the Bay Area, our country and, indeed, the world. My heart and prayers, and those of my family, are with Tom's wife, Annette, his daughters, Katrina and Annette, and their families.
Congressman Tom Lantos was an inspiration to anyone who ever dreamed of a better life; he strove to overcome adversity and refused to quit, even against overwhelming odds.
Little did Tom know, as a young man, bravely resisting both Nazis and Communist that his calling in life would take him far from his native Hungary. He could not have dreamed that someday he would serve the United States of America in a position as high as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. And how proud must his ancestors be, after being persecuted and executed for their faith, that Tom Lantos would accomplish so much for the freedom and security of his people and the dispossessed everywhere.
Congressman Lantos’ tireless and passionate work for human rights around the globe is legendary. No one was more articulate, persuasive or tenacious in fighting for all people, and no adversary was too large for Tom.
I have many fond personal memories of Congressman Lantos, as does anyone who was privileged to have known him. Of the many things we can learn from him, perhaps the most important is: Never give up. Fight for what is worth fighting for, because you don't know what life has planned for you.
My only regret is that those of us who proudly called Tom Lantos our Congressman did not have the opportunity to see him one last time, to show him how much we appreciate his hard work and 28 years of service to our district.
I think the highest compliment that could be paid to him is to say, "Congressman Lantos was a great American."
Congressman Tom Lantos was an inspiration to anyone who ever dreamed of a better life; he strove to overcome adversity and refused to quit, even against overwhelming odds.
Little did Tom know, as a young man, bravely resisting both Nazis and Communist that his calling in life would take him far from his native Hungary. He could not have dreamed that someday he would serve the United States of America in a position as high as Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. And how proud must his ancestors be, after being persecuted and executed for their faith, that Tom Lantos would accomplish so much for the freedom and security of his people and the dispossessed everywhere.
Congressman Lantos’ tireless and passionate work for human rights around the globe is legendary. No one was more articulate, persuasive or tenacious in fighting for all people, and no adversary was too large for Tom.
I have many fond personal memories of Congressman Lantos, as does anyone who was privileged to have known him. Of the many things we can learn from him, perhaps the most important is: Never give up. Fight for what is worth fighting for, because you don't know what life has planned for you.
My only regret is that those of us who proudly called Tom Lantos our Congressman did not have the opportunity to see him one last time, to show him how much we appreciate his hard work and 28 years of service to our district.
I think the highest compliment that could be paid to him is to say, "Congressman Lantos was a great American."
