[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 64 (Thursday, May 1, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E849]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF WORLD WAR I VETERAN AL ROSS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 1, 2003

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I bring sad news of the passing of an 
American hero, Mr. Al Ross of Palm Beach County, Florida at the age of 
101. Al Ross was one of the last remaining veterans of World War I.
  Al was a living legend in Palm Beach County, who freely gave of his 
time to educate many generations of Americans on the true meaning of 
service to our nation and deep understanding of the Pledge of 
Allegiance. In countless schools and public appearances around the 
county, he was a fiery champion for all veterans and a defender of the 
flag. Up until the very last moment that continued to be his mission.
  In 2002, fewer than 500 veterans of World War I remained and Al was 
the last known survivor in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. 
Still wearing his 1918 Navy uniform, I last saw him this past July 4th 
speaking to a Town of Palm Beach picnic celebrating America. As always, 
he had something new to share with his audience, and this month was 
looking forward to again being a featured speaker at this year's 
Memorial Day services at the National Cemetery.
  We in Congress should remember Al Ross, along with his fellow 
soldiers and sailors from the Great War who are rapidly departing God's 
green earth which they ably defended with honor and dignity.
  Mr. Speaker, Al Ross, small in stature, big in heart will be missed. 
He lived to see our military go from trench warfare to laser guided 
missiles, from Verdun to Baghdad. Yet as Al Ross would say, our flag 
was still there bringing freedom and hope to people around the world.
  In Al's honor I close with his favorite, The Pledge of Allegiance, 
which he recited many hundreds of times and explained its meaning in 
his own colorful way.
  ``I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, 
and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, 
indivisible with liberty and justice for all.''
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Al Ross on behalf of a grateful nation.

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