Mr. President, on Sunday I had the privilege of attending the dedication ceremony for the Spark Matsunaga Elementary and Longview School in Germantown, Maryland. This exceptional state-of-the-art school facility houses a general education elementary school, Spark Matsunaga Elementary, and special education school for children with disabilities, Longview School.
It is appropriate that this new school honors the memory of a truly remarkable man and former colleague–Senator Spark Matsunaga. Over the course of a lifetime of service to the people of Hawaii and America, Spark exhibited fortitude, courage, and persistence in fighting for what was right and what was best.
As noted by Dr. Jerry Weast, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools, this is the first public school in the nation named in honor of an Asian American. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Representative Connie Morella, Hawaii State Senator Matt Matsunaga, and Keene Matsunaga were a few of the speakers who spoke of Senator Matsunaga's distinguished life and career. A children's chorus entertained and sang the school song. The "Home of the Geckos," Matsunaga Elementary has made a wonderful start with dedicated teachers and administrators and a diverse and involved community of students and parents.
Spark Matsunaga's commitment to justice and lifetime of service to America merits this singular recognition. Throughout his career, Sparky worked to ensure that all Americans enjoyed the fruits of liberty and understood our shared responsibilities for keeping our country free and strong.
Spark Matsunaga's legacy of public service, espousal of the art of peacemaking, and commitment to justice is a wonderful example for the students and staff that proudly work and learn at Matsunaga Elementary School.
I know that Helene Matsunaga and the Matsunaga family are deeply appreciative of this unprecedented tribute, and the people of Hawaii take pride in Montgomery County bestowing this honor on Senator Matsunaga and his service to our great Nation.
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the commemorative biography of Spark Matsunaga distributed at the dedication be printed in the Record following my remarks.
