Kendrick Meek: “I rise to remember and pay tribute to our dear departed colleague, John Joseph Moakley... America lost a giant with the…”

“I rise to remember and pay tribute to our dear departed colleague, John Joseph Moakley... America lost a giant with the death of Joe Moakley. All of us here in the House lost a good friend. Joe handled his incurable leukemia with great courage. He taught us how to live and he taught us how to die. Congressman Moakley's background and his record have been well-chronicled and I won't take the time to repeat it here. He began his long distinguished career in public service at the age of 15 when he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific during the Second World War. Upon returning from his service in World War II, he attended the University of Miami and we are proud in South Florida to claim him in even a small way as one of our own. Suffice it to say that in over 28 years of service in this House since his election in 1972 as the Member from the 9th District of Massachusetts, Mr. Moakley served his constituents in South Boston and the American people with great distinction. He brought great passion, commitment, and a tremendous zest for public service to his work. Joe was fair. He was honest. He was cheerful, and, above all else, he was always straight with you.”