[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONGRESSMAN JOHN P. MURTHA 
                          AND HIS WIFE, JOYCE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                  in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor our dear friend and 
colleague, John P. Murtha as he and his wife Joyce celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of their marriage. I would like to submit the following 
statement of Father William George to honor this occasion:

      Dinner Blessing by Father William George, S.J. at the 50th 
       Anniversary Dinner for Congressman and Mrs. John P. Murtha

       Blessed are you, God of all Creation. We are created in 
     your image and likeness and share the gifts you have bestowed 
     on us, especially your gift of divine Love. Source of all 
     Love and Kindness, we thank you for the love we share this 
     evening of Jack and Joyce Murtha's mature and wonderful love 
     as we celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary.
       St. Paul speaks of how without love, we gain nothing; that 
     Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, is not 
     pompous, is not inflated; it is not rude; it does not seek 
     its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not 
     brood over injury, it rejoices with the truth. It bears all 
     things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures 
     all things. Love never fails. (1 Cor.)
       The faith that Joyce and Jack have in each other is 
     witnessed to by their 50 years of marriage, but also how hard 
     they work to support each other and their generosity to 
     others. Their hopefulness is revealed in their patience and 
     continued generosity even when criticized and challenged. 
     Their love is a witness to the divine spirit within all of us 
     and we thank you for them.
       Their gift of self to each other reveals the richness of 
     the union of husband and wife in the sacrament of marriage. 
     We ask you to continue to bless their love with your grace.
       Jack and Joyce have united in a strong and productive way 
     in service to their country. As one nation under God, we 
     appreciate their dedication and love of country. If every 
     member of Congress had such a supportive spouse, the laws of 
     our land would be more in accord with your will, bringing 
     peace through justice. Please, dear Lord, continue to bless 
     them with vigor, insight and courage.
       We ask your care for our young men and women in uniform all 
     throughout the world who are in harm's way. Inspire them and 
     make them shining witnesses to justice wherever they serve.
       Please bless our celebration of Jack and Joyce's 50th. 
     Bless this food we are about to receive from your bounty, as 
     we have faith in you, our God, who lives forever and ever, 
     Amen.

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