[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1523-E1524]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    A THANK YOU TO THE HABER FAMILY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 1996

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce you to a true 
American family who has sacrificed and served our great Nation. Eight 
of Charles and Anna Haber's sons all proudly served in World War II 
between 1936-47.
  The story of the Haber family is one of two people immigrating to the 
United States, meeting, and overcoming hardships, to live out the 
American dream. In the early 1900's, Charles and Anna each left 
Czechoslovakia to come to

[[Page E1524]]

the United States. However, they did not know each other at the time. 
They both happened to settle in a mining town in Pennsylvania which is 
where they met. They soon were married and had a large family of nine 
sons and three daughters.
  However, the story does not end there. Tragically, in 1928, there was 
a terrible explosion in the coal mining town of Mather, PA, which 
killed 211 miners. Charles, aged 42, and his brother, George, aged 21, 
were among those casualties.
  Determined to go on with her life, Anna took her children to the 
Pittsburgh area to live. However, before this move, two of her 
daughters had died from illnesses during childhood.
  Once World War II began, eight of the Haber sons entered the military 
to fight to preserve democracy. Paul and Peter served in the U.S. Army, 
while John served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Andrew, Michael, Joseph, 
Steve, and Frank all served their country in the U.S. Navy.
  Charles and Anna Haber's son, Frank, and his wife, Lillian, have 
resided in Indiana's First Congressional District for 44 years. They 
have three children, Charles, Maureen, and Colleen, and seven 
grandchildren. Frank and Lillian are proud that their oldest 
grandchild, Jennifer, is carrying on the family tradition as a student 
at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.
  Mr. Speaker, the Habers' service to our great country is a shining 
example of one family's dedication and valor. I ask that you and my 
other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring this fine family for 
such patriotic heroism.

                          ____________________