S-a stins din viata la 70 de ani un om care a iubit Romania cu o admirabila, fierbinte, de nestins pasiune. L-am cunoscut la inceputul anilor 90, ne-am vazut apoi cu diverse prilejuri. Armand Scala a fost presedintele Congresului Romano-American, un inspirator si un generator de energie pentru care cauza apropierii dintre Romania si Statele Unite era una vitala. Era un democrat veritabil, credea in idealurile care au intemeiat Statele Unite si in universalitea lor. De-a lungul anilor, impreuna cu Charles King, profesor la Georgetown University, am fost invitat sa vorbesc la reuniunile din Washington ale CORA. Armand a fost un veritabil gentleman, o fiinta echilibrata si nobila, un om devotat unor valori pluraliste fara de care spatiul politic este fundamental vitregit. Sa se odihneasca in pace.
Public mai jos mesajul transmis de Mark Meyer, presedintele Camerei de Comert Romano-Americane.
Armand was Romania’s greatest friend in the United States and the undisputed prime leader of the Romanian-American community. He was an amiable, gentle, sweet-tempered, and noble man with a bounding sense of purpose and determination whose intelligence, wit and good common sense helped shape Romania’s good standing in the United States.
As President of CORA, through 21 years, Armand was the personification of the Romanian-American community to four U.S. administrations. He was a constant champion of democracy in Romania and a leader in causing Romania’s accession to NATO. He was an outspoken believer in justice and a devoted advocate for restitution for the victims of Romanian Communism. As an RACC Vice President, Armand was a tireless supporter of increased U.S. investment in Romania and the driving force behind many of the organizations greatest achievements. His efforts were recognized by Romania when, in 2004, Armand was decorated by the President of Romania with one of that nation’s highest civilian awards. In 2010, the RACC bestowed upon Armand its Lifetime Achievement Award.
The son of a priest in the Romanian Orthodox Church, Armand was to all who knew him, a saint. We all loved him very much and his loss is immeasurable. America’s great poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, wrote: “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.” The light that Armand Scala has left behind will guide us forever.
Our sincerest and deepest condolences to his wife Tina, his son Armand, his sister and brother-in-law and to his entire family.
Mark A. Meyer
Chairman
Romanian-American Chamber of Commerce
