Ellen Tauscher: “I rise today to honor the accomplishments of a gentleman from my district who throughout his life has worked to improve…”

“I rise today to honor the accomplishments of a gentleman from my district who throughout his life has worked to improve the lives of others. I speak of Mr. Ralph Laird, Jr., a man who has served his country in numerous ways throughout his lifetime. Mr. Laird began serving his country during World War II, in which he fought as a soldier in the U.S. Army. After returning from the war, Mr. Laird made a fortunate decision to return to California, where he chose to dedicate his life to education. Mr. Laird has been a teacher, a coach of a championship basketball team, a vice principal, a principal, a dean, and an assistant superintendent. In my district, among other things, he has served as the principal of Pleasanton's Amador High School for 8 years and later as assistant superintendent of the Amador School District.”