[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E114-E115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY ``TONY'' DeMARINIS OF GROTON, CONNECTICUT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness to memorialize 
Anthony ``Tony'' DeMarinis of Gorton, Connecticut. Mr. DeMarinis, who 
passed a way on January 25, was a true American hero--a career Army 
officer, a public servant and a great human being. He will be sorely 
missed by his family, friends and citizens from across southeastern 
Connecticut.
  Tony DeMarinis served in the United States Army for 32 years before 
retiring in 1972 with the rank of Captain. He enlisted in 1940 and 
served in 14 campaigns during World War II. He was wounded in battle 
and received a battlefield commission. Tony helped the United States 
prevail in the greatest test of good versus evil the world has ever 
known and played a role in freeing my family from the terror of the 
Holocaust. Tony served in the Korean conflict where he received yet 
another battlefield commission elevating him to the rank of Captain. In 
another selfless act on behalf of his country, Tony volunteered to 
serve with the First Army Division--known as the ``Big Red One''--in 
Vietnam. Throughout his distinguished military career, Tony received 
many honors and decorations, including the Bronze Star and Purple 
Heart.
  After retiring from the Army, Tony continued to serve the public. He 
was elected to three terms as City Clerk of Groton in the 1980s. In 
this position, Tony did much more than merely perform administrative 
duties. He worked each and every day to build pride in the community. 
One of his most lasting achievements in this regard was securing a 
large mural depicting the Battle of Groton Heights, the only major 
battle of the Revolutionary War fought in Connecticut, for display in 
City Hall. This engagement occurred in Groton and resulted in the 
massacre of almost every single soldier at Fort Griswold due to the 
treachery of Benedict Arnold. Tony DeMarinis was instrumental in 
ensuring the City of Groton received this important part of its 
history.

[[Page E115]]

  Mr. Speaker, Tony DeMarinis was a public servant of the highest 
order. He served his country in the Army for three decades. He served 
the City of Groton as City Clerk. He did so unselfishly and with 
boundless enthusiasm and pride. Tony DeMarinis embodied all of the best 
qualities of America--service, patriotism and pride in community. I 
extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

                          ____________________