Talk of the Town

Local family recalls late secretary of state

Dr. Henry Kissinger passed away on Nov. 29 at the age of 100. He is the only person to simultaneously serve as Secretary of State and National Security Advisor as well as the only U.S. cabinet member to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and he was the last member of President Nixon's cabinet to pass away. Dr. Jason Shu, the member of Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine, and Dr. Grace Shu, a U.S. Public Health Service adviser, reflected on their friendship with Dr. Kissinger over the past several decades. "Henry always was studious, calm, and friendly with a great sense of humor," Dr. Grace Shu said. "He had a deep well of knowledge about statecraft, political history, foreign affairs, and politics. He was also a realist. He and President Nixon were the only people who could have started the process of creating diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States. At that time, the early 1970's, they realized that the United States and China together could blunt the power and influence of the Soviet Union." "Whenever we met, Henry would greet us with a warm hello and say a few basic phrases in Mandarin in his heavy German accent, which was always touching," Dr. Jason Shu recalled. "Henry was very knowledgeable about the history of mainland China. Over the decades, both American and Chinese leaders and foreign policy thinkers very much respected and trusted Henry. He was an inspiration and mentor to generations of young people, including my sons, Dr. John Shue and Dr. Joel Shu." "We will miss him and remember him fondly." Dr. John Shu said.