[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 138 (Thursday, September 7, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1732-E1733]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            IN REMEMBRANCE OF DONALD CRESSMAN--U.S. VETERAN

                                 ______


                         HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 1995
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, on September 4, 1995, in gatherings 
throughout our Nation, Americans paused to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of the end of World War II. Sadly, September 4, 1995, also 
marked the passing of a veteran of that war--an American patriot who 
loved his family, his country, and his community. It is that man, a 
good friend, Donald Cressman, for whom I rise today to pay tribute.
  Last year I had the privilege of honoring Don for 50 years of 
membership in the American Legion--he had joined in 1944. Don's story, 
like that of so many of our fellow veterans, is the story of America's 
greatness. One of nine children, Don was raised by his grandfather on a 
farm at the foot of the Pennsylvania Poconos. From his grandfather he 
learned lessons of discipline and perseverance that would help him 
overcome great hardships 

[[Page E 1733]]
throughout his life. Most important, he learned to walk despite having 
contracted polio at 5 years of age. In fact, he walked well enough to 
pass his entrance physical into the U.S. Army and into combat duty. 
Following the war, he had to learn how to walk again because of a war 
injury which had put him in a body cast.
  Don also learned to work hard, whether it was as a member of the 
Civilian Conservation Corps, which he joined at 17, or working on the 
hot beds of Bethlehem Steel, or going to night school on the GI bill 
following his tour of duty, or working as a realtor throughout his 
retirement years.
  He had also learned to give. Each thinking person comes to a point in 
life when they realize they owe a debt of gratitude to a nation that's 
provided them with the freedom and opportunity to succeed. But, since 
those freedoms were secured by our veterans, haven't they already done 
more than their share? So often, however, it is our veterans who 
continue to give generously of their lives to build and strengthen 
their community. Don was such a man.
  He was a founding member of the Dunedin American Legion in 1958 and 
served many years as a service officer. He was also an active member of 
the Dunedin VFW and the DAV. He was a charter member of the Dunedin 
Elks; served as the first president of the Knights of Columbus; was a 
past president of the Dunedin Board of Realtors and of the Dunedin 
Chamber of Commerce. Even in his church, Don was a pioneer and active 
member.
  So, today we salute a man who spent his lifetime overcoming the odds; 
of working hard and contributing to the betterment of his fellow man. 
To Betty, his beloved wife of over 49 years, and to his son, John, of 
whom he was immensely proud, Don leaves a rich legacy and a name 
associated with honor.
  We will miss you, Don.
  

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