[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E244-E245]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF PETER BERRIO, DISTINGUISHED COLOMBIAN--AMERICAN VETERAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Anthony 
Berrio for his courageous service on behalf of the United States during 
World War II. Mr. Berrio, the oldest surviving Colombian-American WWII 
veteran, was honored on November 19 by the governor of Quindo, in the 
city of Armenia, Colombia, Peter Berrio's place of birth. 
Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this event, but a representative 
of the U.S. Embassy in Colombia was there on behalf of all Americans 
thankful for Mr. Berrio's distinguished service.
  Peter Berrio moved to the United States from Colombia in 1929 and 
served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946, both in the Far 
East and in Europe. Mr. Berrio served as a gunner, and he also served 
as a ``military mayor'' in Italy after the war. By the time he left the 
service, he had reached the rank of Sergeant and received the Good 
Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific 
Campaign Medal. In 1951, Peter Berrio moved back to Colombia where he 
continues to live today.
  It is important for us to remember the sacrifices made by our elders 
in the fight for freedom during WWII. The war was the defining event of 
the 20th century. Over 400,000 of our brave soldiers died during their 
service in WWII and millions more willingly put their lives on the line 
for their country.
  I was both honored and touched to receive a letter from Edison 
Berrio, Mr. Berrio's son, about his father's accomplishments. I am

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proud to be able to honor Peter Berrio's brave service, and I am also 
proud of Edison Berrio for remembering his roots and recognizing his 
father's impressive legacy. Edison is President of the New York and New 
Jersey Chapter of the Colombia National Coalition.
  I am sure I speak for the entire Congress when I say we are all 
deeply indebted to Peter Berrio and the millions of other WWII veterans 
who fought so that we can enjoy the liberty, freedom, and prosperity we 
have as a nation today.

                          ____________________