Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Governor Carcieri has ordered Rhode Island state flags lowered to half staff in honor of former U.S. Sen. Claiborne Pell, who died early yesterday morning at his Newport home at the age of 90.
Flags are to remain at half staff until Senator Pell is laid to rest. A funeral for Pell has been scheduled for Monday in Newport.

"Senator Pell was one of this country's greatest statesmen," Carcieri said in a statement. "He served the people of Rhode Island and this country with the highest honor, dignity and compassion. He was a true gentleman who touched the lives of so many, and will be deeply missed.

"Perhaps his greatest gift to the American public was his undying passion to education and the establishment of the Pell Grants, allowing millions to achieve the dream of higher education, and was a great protector of the Arts with the creation of the National Endowment of the Arts. Our thoughts and prayers are with Nuala and the family."

Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline has also ordered all flags above city buildings to be lowered to half staff. Cicilline issued a statement saying he was "deeply saddened" by Pell's death. He called Pell "an extraordinary United States senator from Rhode Island and one of America's most outstanding statesmen.

"He was truly a visionary leader with the highest ideals of public service and he has left a lasting legacy that will continue to impact many generations of Americans," Cicilline said.

Cicilline said two of Pell's most notable achievements were the creation of the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities and the Pell Grants.

"In Rhode Island, and in Providence especially, we are grateful for the pioneering work of Senator Pell as a founding father of the NEAH, an initiative that brought us Trinity Repertory Company's Project Discovery, and fueled the creation of dance companies, musical ensembles and visual arts programs all across the nation," Cicilline said.

Meanwhile, Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch issued the following statement:

"With the death of Senator Claiborne Pell, we mark the passing of a man who, beginning life in a different age, will forever stand as a man of greatness, through all ages.

"Senator Pell's vision of an America in which the doors of higher education would not be barred for any worthy student, and a nation in which greater access to the arts would be granted, has enriched us, as individuals, and as a country.

"Senator Pell's elegance and eloquence served as an inspiration, and set him apart. But through his passionate and compassionate advocacy on behalf of improving the quality of life in our state, and our country, his legacy is an essential part of the fabric of our lives, and the lives of future generations.

"He forever stands as a dignified example of what a public servant should be. With great and abiding respect and thanks for the quality and quantity of Senator Pell's work in the United States Senate, I send along my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Nuala, and all members of the Pell family," Lynch said.

 Tags  Claiborne Pell David N. Cicilline Governor Carcieri Patrick C. Lynch

Comments

M.Smith said:

I had the opportunity to meet Senator Pell while I was working in D.C. with a program for at- risk children.

He and his colleagues heard about the success of the program and sponsored a funding raising event at the home of Senator Pell.

He was a generous and dedicated public servant who exemplified the qualities of leadership through service. Thank you for your example...

He will be missed... I send my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Nuala, and all members of the Pell family

Link | January 3, 2009 12:36 PM
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