[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 97 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1353]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E1353]]
                         TRIBUTE TO BOBBIE BYRD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. GEORGE P. RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 1998

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bobbie 
Byrd on the occasion of her 100th Birthday. The event will be 
celebrated on August, 1, 1998.
  Bobbie Byrd was born in Linden, Tennessee on August 1, 1898. She 
spent the first 35 years of her life performing the rugged chores of 
farm life with her family. After marriage to Hurshell M. Byrd, she 
moved to Fresno, California.
  Bobbie Byrd's grandfather fought in the Civil War, and her brother 
J.E. Marvin served in the U.S. Navy during World War I. Her husband, H. 
M. Byrd, was in the Naval battle at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. 
After her husband was discharged from the United States Navy because of 
wounds he received in the battle in the South Pacific theatre, Mrs. 
Byrd and family moved to Richmond, California. There the entire family 
worked hard to support the war effort in the U.S. Navy ships yards. 
Bobbie Byrd played the role of babysitter for several children so that 
family members could work to build ships in support of the national 
defense.
  At the end of World War II, the Byrd family returned to Fresno and 
Mrs. Byrd's time was completely occupied with caring for her family and 
installing in them a value system which formed a strong family and 
therefore a strong nation. She is still a vital part of her family 
which includes two granddaughters and four great grandsons.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I pay tribute to Bobbie Byrd 
on her 100th birthday. Mrs. Byrd's dedication to her family and her 
country serve as a great role model for all Americans. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Byrd best wishes for the future.

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