[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 16 (Monday, February 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E194]]



                     A SALUTE TO JAMES W. GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 10, 1997

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute 
to an outstanding American, James W. Gallagher. A resident of Newtown 
Square, PA, I am proud to call this fine man a resident of the Seventh 
Congressional District.
  A tireless servant of his local community and the entire Nation, Jim 
served his country as a U.S. marine in World War II. Beyond his 
military service, Jim continued his service to the public. He has been 
an active member of the American Legion for over two decades, serving 
in numerous local and State leadership posts.
  And each Christmas, Jim led a local Toys for Tots effort for the 
Marine Corps. This important program provides both the toys and the 
means for the area's poor to give their children a more joyous holiday 
season. For these and other charitable works, Jim is well-known and 
respected throughout the community.
  I rise today to mark a special moment in Jim's life, a passing of the 
torch, if you will. This past Christmas Day, on the 220th Anniversary 
of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River during the 
American Revolution, Jim portrayed General Washington his 12th and 
final year in Pennsylvania's annual reenactment of the famous crossing.
  More than 9,000 individuals were on hand as Jim surveyed his troops 
for his final time, reciting ``These are the times that try men's 
souls'' from Thomas Paine's ``The Crisis,'' a work credited with 
boosting the morale and courage of General Washington's small army. 
And, quite fittingly, Jim delivered Washington's farewell address upon 
his retirement from the Army, saying to his troops ``I now take my 
leave of you.''
  Jim will be remembered for years to come for his memorable portrayal 
of George Washington, not just in the annual reenactment of the 
Delaware River crossing, but also in parades and even in our Nation's 
Capitol Building.
  But even more importantly, Jim will be remembered for embodying the 
ideals of George Washington through his dedication and service to the 
country and the entire community. His work and effort will not be 
forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring James 
Gallagher, a true American.

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