[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 75 (Saturday, May 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E988]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO FRANKLIN JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES. H. MALONEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2001

  Mr. MALONEY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, this Friday, May 25th, a 
celebration will occur in my Connecticut congressional district that 
honors a man most deserving of our praise, respect and congratulations. 
Franklin Johnson of Naugatuck, Connecticut will be honored for 50 years 
of service to veterans, young people, his community and his country.
  Born October 13, 1924, Mr. Johnson attended school in Naugatuck, 
graduating in 1942. Like many young men at that time, upon graduation 
he enlisted in the Army and saw significant action overseas, including 
the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach, the liberation of Paris, and the 
Battle of the Bulge.
  Following his years of military service to our nation, Mr. Johnson 
returned home and graduated from Springfield College in 1951. Two other 
events occurred that year that reflect the character and dedication of 
Frank Johnson. In August, he wed the former Jeanne DeCarlo, with whom, 
as his beloved wife of 50 years, he has raised a family of four 
children, and now eight grandchildren. That same year, he started his 
career at Naugatuck High School, where he eventually served for thirty-
eight years as a teacher, guidance counselor and administrator.
  At Naugatuck High School, Mr. Johnson paid tribute to the men and 
women who served in the Armed Forces, especially those that made the 
ultimate sacrifice for our country. Each year he has conducted a 
ceremony honoring our fallen heroes on the Friday before Memorial Day. 
This Memorial Day will mark his 50th such service.
  Mr. Johnson has served as Post Commander of American Legion Post No. 
17 in Naugatuck and has been a mainstay in Connecticut in keeping alive 
the memory of all servicemen and women. Since 1988, he has served as 
Chairman of the Naugatuck Veterans Council, which sponsors the annual 
Naugatuck Memorial Day Parade, recognized as one of the finest such 
events in the entire United States.
  Mr. Speaker, during the course of Frank Johnson's nearly 77 years, he 
has dedicated himself to the advancement of Naugatuck's young people, 
to his fellow veterans across the nation, to his community and to his 
family. He has set an exemplary standard for all of the rest of us to 
follow.
  On behalf of the Congress of the United States, I commend Frank 
Johnson on his service to his country and thank him for his great 
contributions to securing and improving the quality of life for us all.

                          ____________________