Leaders remember Hamilton’s role as bipartisan statesman
Memories of former Congressman Lee Hamilton’s work in the area and nation are being celebrated with tributes coming from both sides of the political divide.
Hamilton, a long-time area Congressman, national security expert, statesman and former Columbus attorney has died at the age of 94 at his Bloomington home.
Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon remembered Hamilton’s role as a local lawyer, becoming the first chairperson of the Columbus Human Rights Commission and helping guide the new commission in its mission to provide equal opportunity to all citizens.
“He served both Indiana and his country with distinction and will be remembered for his deep knowledge of foreign policy, thoughtful analysis of public policy and ability to work with people from both sides of the aisle.”
Ferdon also recognized Hamilton’s daughter, Tracy Souza, and her family as long-time Columbus residents and community leaders in this community. She offered condolences and expressed thanks for “all that Representative Hamilton did for our local and national community. He was a leader, a scholar, and a gentleman.”
Prominent Indiana Democrat Pete Buttigieg said that Hamilton was “a giant at home in Indiana and a deeply respected leader on the international stage. He embodied the best kind of Hoosier values with his principled, steady leadership across a remarkable career in public service. “
Buttigieg said that Hamilton’s example was “particularly instructive in these times” and that he will be greatly missed.
Former Vice President, Congressman and Indiana Governor Mike Pence said he was deeply saddened by Hamilton’s passing, calling Hamilton a towering figure.
Pence recalled meeting Hamilton when Pence was a high school student in Columbus and Hamilton was his hometown congressman. He said Hamilton’s example helped propel Pence into his own life of public service. “While our politics diverged, my respect for him was boundless. His more than three decades of service representing Indiana’s 9th Congressional District and his dedicated civic work throughout his lifetime of service marked by character and integrity shaped Indiana and America in profound and lasting ways.”
Indiana Senator Todd Young released a statement, calling Hamilton “a statesman, a respected voice on national security, and a strong advocate for Hoosiers.”
Gov. Mike Braun has ordered flags to half staff in memory of Hamilton. He said Hamilton’s life “embodied integrity, civility, and public service.”
Flags will stay at half staff until sunset on the day of Hamilton’s interment, which has not yet been announced.
Photo: Former Sen. Dick Lugar (middle) and former Rep. Lee Hamilton (right) speak at a 2017 America’s Role in the World Conference hosted by the IU School of Global and International Studies. Courtesy of Indiana University.