Hoosiers Remember Richard Lugar
(photo courtesy of Taylor Schaffer/Mayor Joe Hogsett's office)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowCondolences and remembrances continue to pour in from around the word in reaction to the death former two-term Indianapolis Mayor and six-term Indiana Senator Richard Lugar. Lugar served in the U.S. Senate from 1977 to 2013, when he left as the longest-serving member of Congress in Indiana history. He also served as the mayor of Indianapolis for eight years. According to a press release from The Lugar Center, Lugar passed away Sunday at Inova Fairfax Heart and Vascular Institute in Virginia. He was 87.
The former senator passed away due to complications from CIDP, or chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy.
Governor Eric Holcomb has directed all flags be flown at half staff in remembrance of Lugar. State and local officials will today hold a celebration of Lugar’s life at the Richard G. Lugar Plaza at the City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis.
Following news of Lugar’s death, tributes came pouring in from the Indiana and national political community:
Governor Eric Holcomb
The world weeps alongside Indiana after just learning we lost one of our best, ever.
As an always faithful servant to the highest ideals in every walk of his incredible life, Richard Lugar ran the family farm, charted a new innovative course for Indiana’s capital city, and devoted a record six terms as a U.S. Senator to making the world a more prosperous and peaceful place.
He was an officer and gentleman, father and faith leader, a Mayor and Senator, a diplomat and legendary role model to millions.
Janet and I are keeping Mrs. Lugar and their wonderful family in our prayers and ask all those touched by his service to join us.
Former Indiana Governor and Purdue University President Mitch Daniels
Words are hard to come by right now. Dick Lugar was not just the finest public servant I will ever know, he was the finest person. He embodied all we can hope for in our leaders: brilliance of mind, purity of motive, stainless in character, tireless in the pursuit of duty. Incomparably knowledgeable about the world, he was first and always a patriot, utterly dedicated to the security and wellbeing of his fellow Americans. His voice is now silent, but he is still with us. Indianapolis is a thriving and vibrant city because of him. The world is safer from nuclear danger because of him. And so many of us, while falling far short of the standards he set, are vastly better people because of him.
Senator Todd Young (R-IN)
As a boss, a mentor, and a person, Richard Lugar was the gold standard. At a time when nuclear proliferation was civilization’s greatest threat, Senator Lugar helped save the world. He leaves a legacy as an exemplar of wisdom, civility, and bipartisanship. Always staying true to his temperament, he was a quiet, dignified statesman. He thought before he spoke. He emphasized substance over personality. In short, he set the bar for public leaders — and for leaders more generally. I’m not sure we will ever see another Richard Lugar, but I pray that we do. May God watch over him and his family.
Congressman Jim Banks (R-03)
Dick Lugar is a giant in the hearts and minds of Hoosiers and all who served with him during his career in public service and record-setting tenure in the Senate. His selfless service and tireless advocacy on behalf of the state and nation we both love inspired many to follow his footsteps into public service. I had the privilege to spend a fair amount of time with him since being elected to Congress and will treasure the counsel and encouragement he provided. The world is a better place because of Sen. Lugar and he will be missed immensely. Amanda and I send our prayers and condolences to the Lugar family, and all those who are mourning his loss.
Indiana Democratic Party Chairman John Zody
Indiana has lost a leading diplomat, a man who steadfastly believed in the power of dialogue and bipartisanship. Richard Lugar’s achievements were grounded in a clear-eyed approach that valued facts over rhetoric. His voice was never the loudest but his word meant something. Ultimately, his resolve and integrity made the world a safer place and is proof diplomacy can break down any wall.
Indiana Chamber of Commerce CEO Kevin Brinegar
Richard Lugar was the ultimate public servant and bipartisan leader. His impacts will be felt for generations to come in Indianapolis, our state, our nation and globally. He was an invaluable mentor to myself and thousands of others.