[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 68 (Thursday, May 26, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 26, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       REMEMBER THEM WITH FLOWERS

                                 ______


                        HON. CARLOS J. MOORHEAD

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 1994

  Mr. MOORHEAD. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I received a call from a 
constituent who told me a story and gave me an idea that is especially 
appropriate to Memorial Day and the 50th anniversary of D-Day.
  Doris Winkler, who syndicates the television show, ``The Senior 
Report,'' lost her brother, Capt. John M. Hennessy, Jr., during World 
War II.
  Captain Hennessy was killed in Italy near the Arno River a few days 
after participating in the liberation of Rome. He was a forward 
observer with the 88th Infantry Division, 337th Field Artillery 
Battalion. He died almost exactly 50 years ago on July 14, 1944, 
ironically his parent's wedding anniversary.
  John Hennessy, who graduated summa cum laude from Notre Dame 
University, is buried in a U.S. military cemetery 7 miles outside of 
Florence, Italy.
  Each Memorial Day his grave site, plot C, row 5, grave 38, is graced 
with a bouquet of flowers, a symbol of remembrance and affection from 
his sister.
  Mrs. Winkler accomplishes this loving task with the assistance of the 
American Battle Monuments Commission. ``The American Battle Monuments 
Commission is extremely sensitive to its ministry of caring for these 
sanctified graves and always sends me a picture of the decorated 
grave,'' she said. ``The pictures from the Memorial Day placements 
always sadden me because the background reveals long rows of crosses 
with no flowers, save my brothers.''
  ``It occurred to me,'' she continued, ``that survivors of these men 
do not realize that for very little money the Commission, which 
oversees all foreign U.S. military cemeteries, will contact the 
appropriate cemetery and in very short order, get flowers to the grave 
site. All they need is the soldier's name and where he is buried.''
  Doris Winkler called the Commission yesterday to check about the 
arrival of her check for her brother's flowers. In passing she asked if 
the Commission had received many requests. ``Oh, yes,'' came the reply, 
``We've had 12 already.''
  Doris Winkler would love to see more than 12 heroes honored 
especially since the ABMC is the steward of more than 100,000 graves 
and names on tablets of the missing.
  She said she was certain there would be more flowers if more 
Americans were aware of the ``fine service of the American Battle 
Monuments Commission.'' She asked if I might help spread the word among 
my colleagues in the Congress.
  Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to do so. For further information concerning 
these services call the ABMC at 202-272-0537. The commission also notes 
that flowers for all foreign military cemeteries can be ordered through 
any local florist who is a member of the ``Florist Telegraph Delivery 
Association.''
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I hope this information allows more people to pay 
special homage to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for our 
country.

                          ____________________