[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 126 (Tuesday, September 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           SALUTE TO AL ROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK FOLEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2001

  Mr. FOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who has 
served his country bravely and who also serves as a role model in his 
community.
  I speak of Al Ross, one of my constituents and the youngest surviving 
veteran of the First World War. Al, the son of Russian immigrants, 
enlisted in the United States Navy in 1917, when he was only 16 years 
old. He served as a Seaman First Class aboard the U.S.S. Richmond. In 
fact, Al is the last surviving member of Barracks 507, a West Palm 
Beach World War One veterans group.
  On October 11, 2001, my friend Al Ross turns 100 years old. He is a 
frequent speaker at veterans', civic, and school events and is best 
known for his talks about ``Why We Pledge the Flag.'' Mr. Ross gives 
these talks in his original U.S. Navy uniform, which still fits him 
perfectly.
  Al Ross has been a teacher and organizer for the National Amputee 
Foundation. He has worked for the Palm Beach Daily News and the 
Selective Service System. Most recently, Mr. Ross has been an advocate 
for the voting rights of U.S. military personnel serving overseas. He 
is also an avid golfer.
  Mr. Speaker, please let the Record reflect this Congress' 
appreciation for his efforts.

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