November 16, 1999

Mr. President, I raise today to honor the enduring union of David and Ann Cannon and the legacy of accomplishment that their partnership has produced. On December 19, 1999, they will retire together, 35 years to the day after David was ordained as a priest and the two began their work at the St. James Episcopal Church in the Village of Poquetanuck, Connecticut, located in the greater Norwich area of my home state.

For these past three and a half decades, David and Ann have been pillars of the Norwich community. Through their unflagging commitment to improving the lot of those in need, they have touched the lives of countless neighbors and set an impressive example for the rest of us to follow. Specifically, their work on behalf of the homeless of Martin House and Thames River Family Program has given dignity and hope to those who previously had little of either.

Individually, each has many accomplishments for which to be proud. David has been a faithful pastor and a caring leader for his parish. He has dedicated himself to increasing access to quality higher education and ensuring compassionate care for the ill and infirm. To her great credit, Ann has worked tirelessly to shape a more responsive local government and to conserve the history of the community for generations to come.

But the sum of this pair's worth is well beyond the measure of its distinguished parts. Perhaps it is the love and good humor these two share with themselves and others, their common zeal for hard work, and their joint commitment to excellence that is most memorable about them. Perhaps, as well, it is their unbending faith and their untempered compassion for their neighbors, and their talent for simply caring about others that has magnified their impact. All these traits have defined David and Ann for the many years I have known them and undoubtedly long before.

While I merely scratch the surface of their many virtues and accomplishments here today, I would be remiss not to mention David and Ann's three most remarkable accomplishments--David, Andrew and Ruth, their three wonderful and loving children.

Through 42 years of marriage, 35 years of selfless dedication to their parish and community, and 3 wonderful children, David and Ann Cannon have remained the central characters in a wonderful life story. I know I speak for countless others in the Norwich area in wishing that the next chapter in their remarkable life story be one of many rewarding years filled with love and happiness.