[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 131 (Wednesday, October 3, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1783]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1783]]



                 FRED AND JANE MARTINI: A LOVING UNION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 3, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two very special 
friends, Fred and Jane Martini of Hampton Township, Michigan, as they 
prepare to celebrate fifty years of marriage and a loving commitment to 
each other, their two children, four grandsons and their great-
granddaughter. The Martinis' devotion and dedication to all around them 
has set a high benchmark to which their family, friends and neighbors 
might aspire.
  From the day they were married on October 6, 1951 at St. John's 
Church in Pinconning, Michigan, Fred and Jane have helped nurture a 
community of loving persons by setting a beautiful example for all 
those whose lives they have touched. Their marriage has been blessed 
with two remarkable children, Cynthia and James. Both parents worked 
hard to create a good and supportive family environment. While they 
never lost sight of that priority, the Martinis recognized that they 
also had a responsibility beyond their family and they somehow managed 
to find time to give back to their community in untold ways that will 
long be remembered.
  After serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, Fred 
began an extensive and venerable career with Consumers Power Company, 
retiring after 36 years. In his spare time, Fred was active with the 
Boy Scouts, taught civil defense, volunteered for the United Way and 
served as an Elder with Immanuel Lutheran Church. Over the years, Jane 
held numerous political positions in Hampton Township and in Bay 
County. She was first elected to the Township Board in 1968 and then 
spent 18 years as Township Clerk. In fact, during her tenure as Clerk, 
she registered me allowing me to vote for the first time so many years 
ago. Throughout her life, Jane has volunteered to serve on many boards 
and committees, including the Bay County Library Board and the Senior 
Citizens Advisory Board.
  Fred and Jane, however, never forgot about each other, despite their 
active lifestyles, because a strong marriage not only is a covenant 
with one another, it serves as a declaration of eternal love. As the 
Gospel according to John teaches, a person who loves others ``knows God 
for God is Love.'' The everlasting union shared by Fred and Jane serves 
as a shining example of the power of love and its capacity to bring us 
all closer to the warmth and grace of our creator.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Fred 
and Jane for achieving a rarely reached milestone of fifty years of 
marriage. The fullness of their commitment and the bountifulness of 
their love strengthen us all and we look to them for many more years of 
happiness.

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