[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 158 (Wednesday, November 10, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO CIVIL WAR HERO FREDERICK ALBER

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
late Frederick Alber of Lapeer County, MI. On November 13, 1999, the 
community of Oregon Township will dedicate a new headstone for Mr. 
Alber and also honor other veterans buried in the Oregon Township 
Cemetery.
  Frederick Alber enlisted in the Seventeenth Michigan Infantry on July 
2, 1862 at age 24 and served valiantly during the Civil War. On July 
30, 1896, Private Alber was issued the Medal of Honor for his undaunted 
bravery in the wilderness and his heroic actions at Spotsylvania. On 
May 12, 1864, Private Alber rescued Lieutenant Charles Todd of the 17th 
Michigan Infantry who was in the hands of a party of rebels. Private 
Alber shot down one enemy rebel and knocked over another with the butt 
of his musket. He then took the rebels as prisoners and conducted them 
both to the rear of the formation.
  The Civil War is one of the most important events in our nation's 
history. Thanks to the brave actions of soldiers like Frederick Alber, 
we are a united, free country. It is only fitting that we remember the 
great sacrifices made by those who have gone before us. The marker 
dedication at Frederick Alber's grave site is a meaningful way to 
remember and honor the past heroes of our country and is an appropriate 
manner in which to salute our cherished liberties.
  I join the entire community of Oregon Township and Lapeer County as 
they pay their respects to a real American hero, Frederick 
Alber.

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