(New York, N.Y.) — Ambassador Mark D. Wallace released the following statement on the passing of Senator Joseph I. Lieberman, who served as UANI Chairman and CEP Advisory Board Member. 

"I am terribly sad. Throughout my professional and personal life, whenever I was unsure of what to say or think, my friend, the Senator, was always there. He had a unique gift for finding the right words to match any feeling or emotion, often with humor, a smile, and laughter. Now, as I write this without his guidance and kind wisdom, I feel his absence deeply. Having the Senator by my side was one of life's greatest gifts to me, and I know I'm not alone in feeling profoundly touched by him. That was the Senator's great gift—he touched and guided so many of us, either personally or through his example. 

"Despite his insistence on being called just Joe, I always addressed him as 'the Senator.' To me, he exemplified what it meant to be a great public servant, and that is how I will always remember him. Whenever I had the privilege of introducing him, I'd always conclude with an inside joke between us, calling him the 'national treasure, Senator Joseph Lieberman.' He'd humorously respond, 'Mark, you gotta save that for my funeral,' a line that would always bring laughter. I am sure he is hearing the many words offered upon his passing. Assuredly, today, he would quip to me: "Mark, couldn’t you have waited a little longer to use that line, like ten years?!". All in an effort to bring a smile and laughter to a most difficult moment. 

"Hadassah, you were his rock and so much more. His partner in caring, wisdom, kindness, and generosity. His love for you, his children, and his grandchildren knew no bounds. You were a team, the essential person to him in all that you have accomplished together and in enriching so many. 

"Senator, you were our national treasure, but to many of us, you were so much more on a personal level. You gave us all so much, and we are all a little less without you. I will miss you very much."