[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FLORINE WARDEN'S 85TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, on August 26, Mrs. Florine Warden will be 
celebrating her 85th birthday. Her story is one of success. From the 
coalfields of West Virginia she has endlessly battled to preserve the 
liberties of her community. As her birthday approaches I wish to thank 
Mrs. Warden for the extraordinary effort she has put into our State.
  Thomas Jefferson once said, ``none deserve better than those who 
contribute to the amelioration of that form (government).'' Mrs. 
Warden's life has been one of great service and citizenship. She has 
dedicated her life to voicing her opinion and striving to improve our 
form of government. Those who reside in Southern West Virginia know of 
her unwavering dedication to encouraging others to become active 
citizens. She has fought diligently on the political battlefield at the 
grassroots level. She brings a special enthusiasm to her community and 
the State of West Virginia. She has donated her time to improve and 
enhance our political process.
  Mrs. Warden has spent countless hours working for the 
underprivileged. From picket lines to food drives, Mrs. Warden is a 
force for the less fortunate. She has sought to better her community by 
working as a booster for local high schools and colleges. This amazing 
woman has also devoted her time to the West Virginian Department of 
Highways, as well as the Department of Natural Resources. She has 
worked for the State, but more importantly for the people of West 
Virginia, which she cares for so dearly. She has worked tirelessly for 
the United Mine Workers of America. She is the true embodiment of the 
Mother Jones's mantra, ``Mourn the dead, and fight like hell for the 
living.''
  Mrs. Warden's hard work has not gone unnoticed. Her many honors 
include the Distinguished West Virginian Award, the Beautification 
Award ``Make West Virginia Shine,'' and an induction into the Democrat 
Hall of Fame. Just last year I was at hand when Mrs. Warden was 
presented the labor award in the 17th Annual Celebrate Women Awards. 
With these awards, the word of her hard work has spread from Southern 
West Virginia to the rest of the State, and across our great Nation. In 
her amazing eighty-five years, she has been dedicated to promoting 
labor services in West Virginia and with her hard work she is 
irreplaceable in the political world. She has continually fought for 
the betterment of our form of government. I agree with Mr. Jefferson 
and feel that none deserve better than Mrs. Warden.

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