Published: 08-01-08
WASHINGTON—U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison today introduced a Senate Resolution honoring the life of Anne Armstrong a fellow Texan who recently passed away and the rich legacy she leaves behind.
“Anne Armstrong was one of Texas’ admired and influential women. As the first female to serve as Counselor to the President she broke barriers for women and ascended the political ladder in a traditionally male-dominated arena. She stood for core values like freedom opportunity and family. Whether as a mother a wife a rancher or a politician Anne Armstrong’s commitment and dedication was unmatched. This is a fitting tribute to her and I’m pleased to honor and commemorate her incredible service to Texas and the nation as a whole” Sen. Cornyn said.
“Anne Armstrong has been a close trusted friend and my greatest mentor for over 30 years. I met Anne in 1971 when I interviewed her while working as a reporter for a Texas television station. Shortly after I began as her Press Secretary in Washington when she was the first woman to serve as Co-Chair of the Republican National Committee. Since that time I have not made a major decision in my career without first consulting Anne.
“Anne’s contributions to this country as a diplomat public servant counselor and friend to five Presidents rightly earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Anne’s friends valued her passion energy work ethic and loyalty. Women have benefited from the barriers she overcame in government diplomacy and politics throughout her career. The Armstrong family is synonymous with Kenedy County and South Texas has lost a familiar community leader. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Armstrong family and friends” Sen. Hutchison said.
--The text of Sens. Cornyn and Hutchison’s Resolution is below--
Whereas Anne Legendre Armstrong a pioneer for women in public service passed away on July 30 2008 at the age of 80;
Whereas Anne Armstrong was educated at Foxcroft School in Middleburg Virginia where she was valedictorian of her graduating class;
Whereas Anne Armstrong received her B.A. degree from Vassar College where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa in her junior year;
Whereas Anne Armstrong was an active and respected leader in the Texas Republican Party and the first female cochair of the Republican National Committee;
Whereas Anne Armstrong served both President Richard Nixon and President Gerald Ford as a Cabinet-level counselor the first woman to do so;
Whereas Anne Armstrong was named by President Gerald Ford as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom the first woman to hold that important and prestigious post;
Whereas Anne Armstrong was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom the Nation’s highest civilian honor by President Ronald Reagan;
Whereas Anne Armstrong graciously hosted world leaders and other prominent individuals at the legendary Armstrong Ranch in Kenedy County Texas;
Whereas Anne Armstrong was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in 1986 for her numerous achievements and contributions to the State of Texas and the Nation;
Whereas Anne Armstrong lost her beloved husband Tobin in 2005 and is survived by 5 five children: J. Barclay Armstrong Katharine Armstrong Love Sarita Armstrong Hixon James Armstrong and Tobin Armstrong Jr.;
Whereas Anne Armstrong is also survived by 13 grandchildren and a sister Katharine Legendre King; and
Whereas Anne Armstrong will be deeply missed by the people of Texas and the Nation as a whole: Now therefore be it
Resolved That the Senate honors the life of Anne Legendre Armstrong an exemplar of dedication to public service and an inspiration for the Texans who have followed her.
