[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2363]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


           HONORING JOSEPHINE MARTIER FOR 50 YEARS OF VOTING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding citizen 
and good friend, Ms. Josephine Martier from Vandergrift, PA. ``Aunt 
Jo'' as she is affectionately called, has fulfilled a rare and 
honorable pledge to her country. She has participated in each primary 
and general election for the past 50 years.
  I would like to recognize Ms. Martier for her contribution to our 
country and to the American democratic system of government. Without 
individuals such as Ms. Martier, our democracy would not be what it is 
today. Her conviction is to be commended and unlike so many, Aunt Jo 
has never taken for granted her right to actively participate and voice 
the values which she believes in.
  In 1996, less than half of the eligible voters in the United States 
participated in the Presidential election. In light of this statistic, 
it is even more amazing to consider what Aunt Jo has achieved. Her 
invincible sense of civic duty is exemplary. Her efforts serve as a 
model for every resident of the Fourth Congressional District, the 
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and every American eligible to vote.
  And so my fellow colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I rise 
and applaud Aunt Jo Martier and her amazing voting record. I hope that 
she will be able to participate in our democracy for years to come.

                          ____________________