Pou, Peru, and Pascrell: Congressman’s Career Capped with Capitol Ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC - Congresswoman Nellie Pou (D-NJ-09) and Peru's Ambassador to the United States, Alfredo Ferrero, hosted a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. and his work to build closer ties between America and Peru.

At the ceremony, the government of Peru awarded the Order "El Sol del Perú" posthumously to Congressman Pascrell and presented it to Pascrell's three sons, Bill III, David, and Glenn, all of whom were present. Other recipients of the medal include Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Emperor Akihito of Japan, former Beatle Paul McCartney and former U.S. Senator John McCain.

Pascrell's colleagues were also in attendance, including Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-06), Richard Neal (D-MA-01), John Larson (D-CT-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), and Ted Lieu (D-CA-36).

"It is wonderful to see all of you as we celebrate the life of a great New Jerseyan, a great American, and my predecessor, Bill Pascrell," said Congresswoman Pou. "So in many ways, this honor we celebrate today reflects the qualities that defined Bill's career. He believed respect and relationships mattered, and public service was about people."

Pascrell was pivotal in the enactment of a free trade agreement between the United States and Peru while a member of the House Ways and Means Committee.

New Jersey's Ninth District includes one of the nation's largest Peruvian American communities, centered in Paterson's Little Lima. Peruvians have helped shape New Jersey and the region for generations.

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