[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 112 (Monday, September 9, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 CONGRATULATING AUSTIN AND LYDIA WARDER

 Ms. MIKULSKI. Madam President, today I bring your attention to 
Austin and Lydia Warder. On August 12, 2002, they celebrated their 60th 
wedding anniversary, and I ask you to join me, their family and friends 
in congratulating them.
  The Warders have devoted 60 years to each other, to their family, to 
their community of Indian Head, MD, and to the service of their country 
through the United States Navy. Our country could not ask for two more 
dedicated citizens.
  Austin Warder was born in Marbury, MD in 1922, just a few miles away 
from his future bride, Lydia Eastburn, born in 1924. The two met and 
soon married on August 12, 1942, in Austin's hometown, just before he 
shipped out for World War II. Austin served his country as a United 
States Navy Seabee in the South Pacific from 1942 until the war ended 
in 1945. During that time, Lydia joined the war effort and began 
working at the Naval Ordinance Station in her hometown of Indian Head, 
MD.
  After the war, the Warders settled down in Indian Head. Austin 
continued his service with the U.S. Navy, joining Lydia at the Naval 
Ordinance Station where she worked as a housing project manager. Austin 
began his career there as Director of the Public Works Department, 
Maintenance Division. Both received numerous letters of commendation 
and many outstanding performance ratings over their long careers. They 
worked together over the years. They finally decided to retire, 
together, in January of 1977. Lydia was retiring after 35 years and 
Austin after 32 years.
  The Warders have left an important legacy with the Federal 
Government. Together, they have 70 years of service, and I am sure the 
Navy joins me in congratulating them. But their most important legacy, 
and I know their favorite, is their family. Austin and Lydia have been 
blessed with a large and loving family. They have one daughter, Sandra 
Benson, two grandchildren, five great grandchildren and one great-great 
grandchild.
  I am honored to share this couple's story of commitment and service 
with the Senate today. Austin and Lydia Warder are fine Marylanders. 
Their shared values, hard work, and spirit kept them together through 
the War, through many years with the Navy, through children and 
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Please join me in wishing the 
Warders my most sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more 
happy years!

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