[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY TO DANIEL AND BERNITA O'CONNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, throughout our lives we receive countless 
blessings and among these, the greatest gift is that of love. Today, I 
am proud to be able to pay tribute to two people who have cherished 
this gift and demonstrated their love and devotion to one another each 
and every day over the past fifty years.
  On June 24th, two extraordinary people, Daniel and Bernita O'Conner 
are celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Together with their 
children Patrick, Daniel and Erin, their grandchildren Danielle, 
Caitlin and Meaghan, and a number of friends that their years of work 
and community involvement have brought them, they will celebrate this 
most special of days.
  After meeting at Sacred Heart Church in Kawkawlin, Michigan, these 
two young people soon fell in love. They were married on June 24,1950 
in Essexville, Michigan, and ever since that day, Daniel and Bernita 
have shared a wonderful life together. They have found happiness as 
lifelong companions. As nurturing parents, tireless workers, selfless 
community leaders and lifelong Democrats, the O'Conners truly represent 
all that is right in this country.
  Daniel and Bernita are not only dedicated to each other and their 
family, but they are also dedicated to their church. They have always 
been active in the Catholic Church, including several parishes in my 
district. Holy Trinity in Bay City, St. John the Evangelist in 
Essexville and Sacred Heart in Kawkawlin, have been fortunate to have 
the O'Conners as members. Their commitment to their faith and strong 
family values makes them excellent role models for everyone who crosses 
their paths.
  Mr. Speaker, in these days of disintegrating families, it is 
reassuring to see a strong, stable marriage built on love, respect and 
trust. Their lives together have been a blessing to each other, and an 
inspiration for those of us fortunate enough to know them. I urge you 
and all of our colleagues to join me in wishing Daniel and Bernita 
O'Conner the happiest of anniversaries, on this their fiftieth, and 
many more to come. May God's continued blessing be upon them and their 
beautiful family.

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