Mitchell to address joint legislative convention prior to ceremony unveiling honorary portrait

AUGUSTA — Today, state lawmakers will present a special legislative sentiment honoring former U.S. Senator George Mitchell for his legacy and commitment to the State of Maine during a joint convention of the Maine House and Senate at 11 a.m. Senator Mitchell will address the convention prior to the unveiling ceremony for his self-portrait.

“It is an honor and a privilege to present this sentiment to Senator Mitchell,” said House Speaker Mark Eves of North Berwick, who will present the Joint Convention Resolution honoring Mitchell for his service. “The Senator is a hero and inspiration to so many of us who chose a path of public service. His message of civility and opportunity has touched so many lives from Belfast, Ireland to Belfast, Maine.”

Mitchell served as Democrat in the U.S. Senate representing Maine from 1980-1995 and served as Senate Majority Leader from 1989-1995. In his retirement from the Senate, he launched the Mitchell Institute, which is dedicated to making post-secondary education more accessible and affordable for Maine students.

“Today Mainers can proudly stand together to honor a great leader. Senator Mitchell’s courage and dedication toward fairness, equality, and justice epitomize the character of American folk heroes. His skill and talent cross political and cultural divides; and his accomplishments rank him among our country’s best statesmen,” said Senate President Justin Alfond of Portland, who will preside over the ceremony. “It is a personal highlight to share in celebrating Senator Mitchell’s distinguished service. He is a reminder for all of us to be better, do better, and expect better.”

Mitchell has taken a lead role in negotiating peace in the highest profile conflicts in the past three decades in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. He was appointed as a special peace envoy to Northern Ireland by President Bill Clinton, where he became the primary architect of the Good Friday peace agreement. He recently served as a special peace envoy to the Middle East on behalf of President Barack Obama.

The portrait, a gift to the Maine State Museum paid for by Senator Mitchell’s family, friends and neighbors, will be displayed along with top state dignitaries in the State House. The portrait will be unveiled in the Hall of Flags at noon immediately following the joint convention.