Title
Honoring the memory and celebrating the life of Ambassador Thomas M. Foglietta.
Body
WHEREAS, Thomas M. Foglietta, the youngest of five children of Michael and Rose Foglietta, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 3, 1928. He grew up in a close knit Italian American family in South Philadelphia. His father was a Republican committeeman and ward leader, who later served as the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and member of City Council, instilling in young "Tommy" a belief in public service; and
WHEREAS, Tom Foglietta graduated from Saint Joseph's College and earned a law degree from Temple University. He began his political ascent at the age of 26, as the youngest person ever elected to the City Council of Philadelphia. He served in that office for almost 20 years before resigning to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming the Mayor of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, Tom Foglietta remained active in political circles despite his loss in the mayoral election. He formed "Republicans for Green" to raise money for former Mayor William J. Green's campaign. The following year, he was approached to run as an Independent for the United States House of Representatives. Those around him were sure that the public would vote, without regard for the party label, for a candidate they viewed as possessing integrity and honesty; and
WHEREAS, Tom Foglietta was elected to the 97th Congress in 1980 and served with great distinction for the next seventeen years. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, Congressman Foglietta fought on numerous occasions to save the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Though the Navy Yard eventually closed, workers never blamed Congressman Foglietta because they knew he had personally tried to save it; and
WHEREAS, In Congress, he became well versed in foreign policy and supported democratic reforms in South Korea and Haiti. He made international headlines when he was physically assault...
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