[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. AGNES VENETTA STANDBRIDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 1999

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of Mrs. Agnes Venetta 
Standbridge, who will celebrate her 100th birthday on December 20, 
1999.
  As a young adult, Mrs. Standbridge observed first hand the effects 
that both World War I and World War II had on family and friends. She 
saw the world turned upside down as many of her friends, neighbors and 
family went off to the trenches in Europe and never returned or 
returned scarred by injury and the nightmares of battle. During World 
War II, Mrs. Standbridge was a young mother raising her four children 
in Lemington Spa near Coventry, England. There, she and her husband, 
Albert Standbridge did their best to protect their children from the 
sights and sounds of German aircraft bombing factories in the area. 
During these tumultuous times she developed a quiet courage and inner 
strength. By the early 1950's she would need that bravery to confront 
the passing of her beloved husband at a young age. She never remarried 
and his memory remains with her today.
  Mrs. Standbridge began another memorable chapter in her life when she 
moved to Northern California and ultimately settled in Mountain View 
where she has lived for 38 years. Living in beautiful Silicon Valley, 
Mrs. Standbridge witnessed the world change again--in a far more 
positive way. The technological revolution that has occurred over the 
last few decades has made her world and ours, a more prosperous place 
than ever before.
  The events of the 20th Century have had a great impact on Mrs. 
Standbridge's life and she has been shaped by the relationships of 
those who hold her dear. Family and friendship flow through her life 
and have enriched her century of living. She is a great example of 
resilience and courage. I'm proud to represent Mrs. Standbridge and ask 
my colleagues to join me in wishing this extraordinary woman a very 
blessed and a very happy 100th birthday.

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