Sean Patrick Maloney: “yesterday, the United States Congress lost a dear friend, a true humanitarian, and a real statesman, Chairman Tom Lantos…”

“yesterday, the United States Congress lost a dear friend, a true humanitarian, and a real statesman, Chairman Tom Lantos of California. I extend my deepest sympathies to Tom's dedicated wife Annette, his daughters Annette and Katrina, and to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are thinking of them during this difficult time and hope they will find solace in knowing that their husband, father, and grandfather was a true hero and role model for so many of the people he touched. Chairman Lantos was unrelenting in his lifelong commitment to defending the oppressed. He decisively chose to serve his fellow human beings, often at great personal risk to himself. After escaping from Nazi labor camps in World War II, young Tom fought in the underground Nazi resistance and continued to fight for justice. His ability to triumph through tragedy is truly inspirational. Tom embodied the American dream. In the summer of 1947, Tom was awarded a scholarship to study in the United States. He arrived in New York City with no money and only a Hungarian salami which was quickly seized by U.S. customs officials. With his incredible persistence and deep intellect, he soon earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Tom was always thankful for the opportunities given to him by the United States and America is blessed to have had such a loyal citizen and distinguished leader.”