[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 163 (Friday, October 20, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1990]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    220TH BIRTHDAY OF THE U.S. NAVY

                                 ______


                         HON. TILLIE K. FOWLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 19, 1995

  Mrs. FOWLER. Mr. Speaker, Friday, October 13, marked a very special 
occasion in the history of our Nation. On October 13, 220 years ago, 
the Continental Congress authorized the two ships which were the 
foundation of the first U.S. Navy.
  In honor of this very special birthday, I would like to say ``Thank 
You'' to the men and women of the U.S. Navy who work so tirelessly in 
the service of their country. Like all of our men and women in uniform, 
they endure a great deal of personal hardship because of their 
commitment to serve, and it is all too easy for those of us at home to 
take them for granted.
  Right this moment, over 4,500 sailors from Mayport Naval Station in 
my district are at sea--far from home and months away from seeing their 
friends and loved ones. Mayport sailors are in the Mediterranean, the 
Atlantic, the Persian Gulf, the Caribbean and elsewhere. And thousands 
of other naval personnel are maintaining a forward presence and 
representing U.S. interests around the globe.
  I would like to urge my colleagues to take a moment from their busy 
schedules to say a little prayer of thanks for the commitment, the 
patriotism and the devotion to duty shown by the men and women of the 
U.S. Navy. They deserve our thanks, our prayers and our complete 
support as they do the difficult and important work they do so well. 
Happy Birthday, Navy, and many happy returns of the day.

                          ____________________