[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 148 (Wednesday, October 31, 2001)]
[House]
[Page H7535]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     WORLD WAR II VETERAN DIPLOMAS

  (Mr. GUTKNECHT asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GUTKNECHT. Mr. Speaker, Rex Arnold Pettis and Mike Pelach are two 
men among many who interrupted their high school educations to respond 
to the call of duty by serving our country during World War II, Rex on 
a submarine in the Pacific sinking Japanese ships, and Mike as a medic 
in New Guinea.
  While not in the classroom, World War II vets continued their 
education through experience: Geography, foreign languages, science, 
strategic planning, all essential in their battle to succeed.
  Many of these brave men and women never had the chance to return to 
the classroom to complete their diplomas. Ray Alvin Pettis, twin 
brother of Rex, died on the battlefield in France. Fifty years later, 
Mr. Pettis and Mr. Pelach are receiving their high school diplomas.
  For the third year, Independent School District 192 in Farmington, 
Minnesota, and the Farmington Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American 
Legion are honoring these World War II vets in a special graduation 
ceremony. Mr. James Robert Borman, who passed away just last week, and 
Mr. Ray Alvin Pettis, will also be honored posthumously for their 
service in the Air Force and Army, respectively.
  It is only proper that we honor these who honor the call to duty, 
sacrificing important years of their lives for the benefit of all. I am 
grateful to these men for their valor and sacrifices, and I 
congratulate ISD 192, the American Legion, and the VFW in Farmington 
for honoring them with a graduation ceremony and high school diplomas.

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