To commemorate the occasion, several members of the Goodell family, including NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, gathered at a tribute event in which speakers tied to Charles Goodell’s life shared remembrances and spoke highly of his commitment to opposing the Vietnam War, among other political successes.

“A few, like Charles Goodell, make history,” said the Rev. Denis O’Pray, who eulogized Charles Goodell when he passed and had shared a friendship with him.

Many spoke about Charles Goodell on Sunday, including Michael Smith, former aide to the former senator and congressman; Stan Lundine, former Jamestown mayor; Joseph Zanetta, Jackson Center board member; Charles Goodell’s son Tim Goodell and O’Pray.

They all shared one thing in common: they praised the father, friend and mentor that Charles Goodell was to them and reminisced about his commitment to representing his constituents and staying true to what he believed in. Many times, speakers pointed out the courage needed for Charles Goodell to speak out against the Vietnam War, which may have cost him his political career as he lost re-election in 1970.

Various artifacts from Goodell’s political career are presented at the Jackson Center. The exhibit, “A Model for Courage: The Life of Charles Goodell,” will be shared for the remainder of 2018. P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

After he lost, Charles Goodell and his family came home to a warm Jamestown reception with hundreds in attendance.

“Never had I seen such a warm reception,” Lundine said. “Charlie Goodell played a very important role for this community.”

Of the four sons of Charles’ in attendance, Tim Goodell spoke and shared stories of growing up with their dad in Jamestown and Washington D.C. Brothers Jeff Goodell, Michael Goodell and Roger Goodell also attended the tribute.

A brief documentary developed by Cameron Hurst, communications intern at the Jackson Center and who also curated the Charles Goodell exhibit, was given its world premiere in front of the audience in between speakers. The video showcased important moments of Charles Goodell’s career, including his “Lassie Speech” in which he refused to drop out of the 1970 Senate race and his part in a march with Coretta Scott King protesting the Vietnam War.

“(Charles Goodell) was an active part of the moderate Republican block,” Smith said.

P-J photo by Eric Zavinski

Many pointed out that Charles Goodell never let political affiliation define him, as when he challenged President Richard Nixon with a desire to get all American troops out of Vietnam. Charles Goodell was also known for pursuing better water quality and fair housing for the American people.

Smith said that Charles Goodell had been criticized during his time for not being liberal enough by the left or for being a sell-out as far as Republicans were concerned. Smith said what surprised him most was that Charles Goodell didn’t match the criticism or his eventual political defeat with any anger or bitterness.

Campaign items, newspaper clippings and a timeline of events tell the story of Goodell’s life growing up in Jamestown and the political career that took him to Washington D.C. “A Model for Courage” will remain in the exhibit room of the Jackson Center until 2019.