[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E884]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO CARL AND MARTHA CLOSE ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR 40TH 
                          WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 6, 2000

  Mr. DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pride to rise 
today to pay special tribute to an outstanding couple from Virginia's 
Eleventh Congressional District, Carl and Martha Close. I extend my 
best wishes to Carl and Martha, who marked their 40th wedding 
anniversary on Thursday, May 18. The wedding anniversary was celebrated 
by the congregation at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bailey's 
Crossroads, Virginia.
  Mr. Speaker, I join together today with the extended family of St. 
Paul's Episcopal Church to commend Carl and Martha on this joyous 
occasion and to share the warm wishes of the citizens of Virginia's 
11th Congressional District.
  Carl was born in Oregon and grew up in Colorado, while Martha is a 
native of Alabama. He is a Harvard graduate and was the Assistant 
Director of Eastern Field Operations for the Department of Interior's 
Office of Surface Mining. Martha attended Radcliff and is a graduate of 
American University. She completed her Masters of Science Degree at 
Catholic University in Library and Information Science. Together, they 
have lived in the Washington Metropolitan area for more than thirty 
years. The Closes are the proud parents of two children, Carol and 
Stewart.
  True to their marriage vows, they have dedicated their lives to each 
other and shared in the joys and challenges of marriage. As we honor 
their fortieth anniversary, let us reflect on their lives, their love 
for one another, and wish them a happy and healthy marriage in the 
years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, as Carl and Martha Close celebrate this very special 
occasion, I wish them, their children, and all of their family many 
years of love and happiness. I am grateful to be reminded of such a 
couple and to have the opportunity to recognize such a momentous day in 
their lives. I hope that their anniversary was spent celebrating the 
memories of their most cherished memories together. Carl and Martha are 
to be commended for their commitment to one another, and for the 
wonderful example they set for their many friends and family. I wish 
them many more happy and healthy days together.

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