[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E130]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MR. WALTER HAMEL, LAST SURVIVING WORLD WAR I VETERAN OF 
                        HAVERILL, MASSACHUSETTS

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                          HON. JOHN F. TIERNEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. TIERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute Mr. Walter Hamel, the last 
surviving World War I veteran in the City of Haverill, Massachusetts.
  Mr. Walter Hamel is a true American patriot and war historian. Born 
97 years ago, one of seven children, he enlisted in the war. Still 
underage at only 17 years old, Walter entered the service with the 
permission and blessing of his mother. During World War I, Walter was 
assigned to the U.S. Army Signal Corps in Hawaii. Not only did he 
gallantly serve in this post during World War I, his patriotism for the 
United States never weaned. Upon his return, Mr. Hamel participated in 
many parades and walked from nursing home to nursing home to distribute 
flags on Veterans' Day. Last November, the Haverill Gazette, located in 
my district, profiled Mr. Hamel as ``An Enduring Patriot'' for his 
actions.
  Indeed, Mr. Hamel is not only a source of inspiration to his friends 
and family, but also to us all. Mr. Speaker, I am proud of the 
accomplishments of Mr. Walter Hamel; his military service and civil 
pride are to be commended. I hope my colleagues will join with me today 
in wishing Mr. Walter Hamel the very best as he continues to inspire us 
all.

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