Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Walworth, Wisconsin Masonic Lodge 286. Throughout this period, the Masons of Lodge 286 have made invaluable contributions to their community and to Wisconsin.

Faith, honor, integrity, responsibility for one's actions, the absolute right to intellectual and spiritual freedom, and self-control are the Masons' core values and principles. After the first Grand Lodge was founded in England in 1717, Masonry's rich history was solidified in America by such patriots as Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Many would argue that the Masons and Masonry played a significant role in the Revolutionary War and an even more important part in the Constitutional Convention. For 100 years the Masons of the Walworth, Wisconsin Lodge 286 have worked to maintain this tradition and standard of excellence.

Charitable giving is also a large part of Masonry. Along with scholarship and loan funds to assist young people in furthering their education, Masons support many community-based charitable projects. These projects range from donating to children's hospitals and burn institutes built by Shriners, to simple and much needed services such as buying shoes and clothing for disadvantaged children. They have participated in charitable giving with other lodges in Wisconsin through the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation. Founded in 1925, the Foundation has been committed to educating our youth through an educational scholarship fund; caring for our elderly through the Wisconsin Masonic Home Endowment Fund; and doing good works through the Special Donor Advised Funds Program, which allows special donors to have naming rights as well as advisory capabilities related to the fund's intended purpose. Masons have constantly worked to make the world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, the Masons of the Walworth, Wisconsin Lodge 286 have served as a model for all Masons for 100 years. Their commitment to God and country, emboldened by their brotherhood, has set a high standard for all Masonic lodges.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, our nation was unified in sorrow, as we suffered the shocking loss of seven courageous individuals aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Among the astronauts who gave their lives in service to our country and in pursuit of knowledge for the betterment of our world was Commander Laurel Clark of Racine, Wisconsin.

Laurel Clark was an inspiration to the people she came in contact with and to many others who read or heard about her numerous achievements. She dared to dream great things and worked hard to make those dreams a reality. A graduate of Racine's Horlick High School as well as the University of Wisconsin, Doctor Clark is a fine example for our students of how much one dedicated person can accomplish when she sets her mind to it.

Clark was a Commander in the U.S. Navy, a flight surgeon who was trained as an undersea medical officer and served with a submarine squadron in Scotland prior to becoming an astronaut. While her education and career achievements are unquestionably impressive, Clark's inquisitive mind, adventurous spirit and positive outlook are even more remarkable. The e-mail message that she sent to her mother the day before the Columbia was to return exemplifies this.

She wrote of seeing ``some incredible sights: lightning spreading over the Pacific, the Aurora Australia lighting up the entire visible horizon with the cityglow of Australia below, the crescent moon setting over the limb of the Earth, the vast plains of Africa and the dunes on Cape Horn. . . '' among other spectacular

sights. She reported flying over Lake Michigan and seeing Wind Point clearly. And Laurel Clark wrote: ``I feel blessed to be here representing our country and carrying out the research of scientists around the world.'' She add: ``Thanks to many of you who have supported me and my adventures throughout the years. This was definitely one to beat all. I hope you could feel the positive energy that beamed to the whole planet as we glided over our shared planet.''

Laurel Clark was not simply admired and respected; she was and is greatly loved. In addition to being a doctor, a scientist, and a pioneer, Laurel Clark was a beloved wife and mother, a sister, a dautghter, a niece and a friend. Our sympathy and prayers are with her family and those close to her. May God bless them and the families and friends of her fellow Columbia crew members.

We honor the memory of these heroes, we pray they have found eternal joy and peace, and we take comfort in having been touched by their soaring spirits during their time on Earth.