[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 96 (Friday, July 21, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE 98TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. MARGARET OWENS ON JULY 26, 2000

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                          HON. JOHN E. SWEENEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2000

  Mr. SWEENEY. Mr. Speaker, today I not only congratulate Margaret 
Owens as she turns ninety-eight years old on Wednesday, July 26, 2000, 
but also I celebrate the dedication and achievement that marks her 
place in the history of this great nation.
  Born on July 26, 1902, Margaret Owens finished her high school 
education at Saint John's Academy in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. She 
attended Mount Saint Bernard Ladies College for a year before pursuing 
training at Mount Saint Mary's Hospital School of Nursing in Niagara 
Falls, New York. Margaret received $100.00 per month as a private duty 
nurse from 1925 until September 1944, when she began serving the United 
States Army as a General Duty Nurse. After Basic Training, she was 
stationed in the United Kingdom where she petitioned English Prime 
Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, to allow American hospitals behind 
enemy lines in France and Germany. Though initially unsuccessful, she 
eventually gained permission to cross the English Channel and set up 
medical facilities. Margaret was transferred to the front line in 
December 1944 where she initiated, organized and supervised a one-
hundred twenty-four bed surgical block in the 201st General Hospital in 
Verdum, France. In June 1945, she was transferred to Weisbaden, 
Germany, where she served valiantly with the 317th Station Hospital.
  Mrs. Owens is a true American hero. Her persistence and selfless 
service provided emergency medical care and attention to thousands of 
men and women who served abroad during World War II. In recognition of 
this dedication, Mrs. Owens was awarded the European African Middle 
Eastern Theater Service Medal with one Bronze Star and the World War II 
Victory Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I 
congratulate Mrs. Owens on her life of service and achievement. Mrs. 
Owens truly has a cause for celebration and I hope my colleagues will 
join me in congratulating her. Mrs. Owens, as you celebrate ninety-
eight wonderful years, we wish you a happy birthday and all the best in 
the years to come.

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