On the recordJanuary 25, 1994
a little over 1 week ago, I stood in the State house in Boston and watched tens of thousands of citizens brave the subzero weather to pay tribute to ``Tip'' O'Neill. The people who waited in line were mostly ordinary people who remember Tip as their Congressman, their mentor, or as their friend. They were old and they were young. They were from Boston and Cambridge, and some came from as far away as California. Even the powerful people waited in line--the politicians from all over the country. The presidents of universities, the CEO's of big companies, and foreign dignitaries from all over the world. None of us wanted to say goodbye. None of us wanted to believe that this great big Irishman would ever be anything but full of life and full of fun. Many of you in this Chamber know that Tip and I were close friends. My wife Evelyn and I often socialized with ``Tip'' and Millie and always had a great time. He was the best--there is no doubt about that. And I will certainly miss him. In the days that have followed ``Tip's'' passing I have been especially pleased by the many young people--college students, and even high school students, who have approached me on the street, or called or written my office to say how much they admired the Speaker; or how impressed they were with his dedicated career; or how the Speaker's example has inspired them to pursue a career in public service.
