[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO MR. AND MRS. JAMES ADAMS ON THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 27, 1996

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two 
constituents who are an inspiration to all those who say ``I do''--
James and Helen Adams.
  Mr. and Mrs. Adams of Riverside, IL recently celebrated their 50th 
anniversary with a large party with dozens of their friends and family 
members.
  However, the real celebration should be for a young sailor and his 20 
year old fiance from Brookfield, IL who would not let even a world war 
from keeping them apart. With conflict still raging in the Pacific in 
June 1945, Jim Adams had planned to take advantage of a short leave to 
marry his sweetheart, Helen Jean Bennett. But, as is often the case in 
wartime, his leave was canceled and he was not able to get back home 
until December of that year, a few days before Christmas. Not only were 
there no churches available during the holidays for a wedding ceremony, 
there were no priests or preachers either. Finally, on New Year's Eve, 
a clergyman was found and the wedding took place in the bride's house.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Adams on not only their 50th 
anniversary, but also their perseverance and devotion 50 years ago that 
prevented even a world war from keeping them apart.

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