[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 74 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO RUSSELL LARSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct honor to stand before 
this Congress today and honor an individual who knows the meaning of 
sacrifice, duty, and honor. In 1942 Russell Larson was a 17-year-old 
high school junior with a lot to look forward to. He was a young man 
who loved his country, a country that had recently been forced into 
World War II. Motivated by his deep sense of patriotism, Russell quit 
school, joined the Navy, and spent the next six years in service to his 
nation.
   When Russell came home from the war, he married his beloved Marie 
and eventually settled down as a splicer for the phone company, a job 
he held for 31 years. Today Russell and Marie are the proud parents of 
two children and three grandchildren. They live in Grand Junction, 
Colorado, where they are retired and enjoy bowling, traveling, and 
staying fit. Despite all of their blessings, there is one thing that 
has eluded Russell--the diploma he sacrificed in the service of his 
country.
   Russell gave up the chance to graduate from high school 50 years ago 
when he entered our armed forces--or so he thought. This week, at the 
age of 77, Russell Larson will march in ceremonies at Fruita Monument 
High School to receive his high school diploma. Thanks to a law 
recently passed by the state of Colorado, Russell and his fellow 
veterans who left high school early in the service of their nation can 
now receive their high school diploma.
   Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Russell Larson and commend 
him for his service to his country. He and the other heroes of ``the 
greatest generation'' defeated totalitarianism and fascism, ensuring 
the freedom of all Americans. Russell left the simple pleasures of 
being a high school student for the serious work of defending this 
great nation. It gives me great pleasure to honor Russell and offer my 
congratulations on his graduation. We will always be grateful for his 
service.

                          ____________________