PE&RS September 2000

Marta Brown Accepts George E. Brown, Jr. Congressional Award

Editor’s Note: The ASPRS Board of Directors approved the establishment of a new award to be given for the first time at the ASPRS DC 2000 Annual Conference in May. The award, the George E. Brown, Jr. Congressional Award, was named after the Congressman and given to him posthumously as the first recipient. His wife, Marta Macias Brown, was presented with the award in her husband’s honor at the ASPRS Evening at the National Air and Space Museum on May 25th. Mrs. Brown’s remarks are printed below.

“I am very pleased to accept this award on behalf of George. He would be very honored to have such an award named after him, and it would mean a great deal to be the first recipient.

“He counted many of you as his friends. He certainly respected your organization and the caliber of your membership.

“As many of you know, George had a passionate interest in remote sensing. He was fascinated by the science, but more importantly, he believed very strongly in the benefits that remote sensing and geospatial information applications could deliver to society. That vision guided his actions throughout his long career in Congress.

“From his early and sustained advocacy of an “open skies” policy to his more recent efforts to promote the delivery of more useful information to both the public and private sector users by means of an effective merging of remote sensing data, GPS, and advanced information technologies. George was tireless in his advocacy of using science and technology to improve the quality of life, both here and around the world.

“I do not think that I have to tell anyone in this room of George’s efforts to sustain the Landsat system during some very dark days when its very survival was at stake. And while George would probably demur, I do not think that it is an overstatement to credit George’s actions with ensuring that the Landsat system is alive and productive today.

“At the same time, George recognized the importance of letting a commercial remote sensing sector develop and flourish. It was that recognition that led him to author the Land Remote Sensing Policy Act of 1992, which helped to launch the commercial remote sensing industry.

“We are seeing the results of his legislative stewardship today as new companies emerge on a regular basis. Many of you are the direct beneficiaries of his work.

“In countless ways, both visibly and behind the scenes, George used his years in Congress to promote advances in the use of remote sensing and geospatial information systems. If he were here today, I know that he would be filled with ideas on what still needs to be done. He would be challenging you to apply your skills and technology in ways that will make for a better society. George believed science and technology should be used for the benefit of humanity. He was a man committed to world peace and sought ways to use science as a tool for peaceful coexistence. He always challenged us to take a holistic view, think in terms of sustainability and to be visionary in our approach.

“He would feel you heard his message by establishing this award and developing your new education initiatives especially the K-12 programs. I have established the George and Marta Brown Foundation to continue the work in public policy and education. I look forward to establishing a collaborative relationship with ASPRS in the months ahead.

“In closing, I would again like to thank you for establishing this award in my husband’s name. He would be proud and yet humbled by it. I wish to express my profound appreciation for honoring him as its first recipient. Thank you.”

George and Marta Brown Foundation
264 Leland Norton Way, Suite100
San Bernardino, CA 92408
909-382-7299, cell 909-556-8147
Fax: 909-883-4063