[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 91 (Friday, July 1, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1419]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO FRANCES R. MAJOR--THE BETSY ROSS OF TODAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. CURT WELDON

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 2005

  Mr. WELDON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize 
today the accomplishments of Frances R. Major of Royersford, 
Pennsylvania--whom I consider the Betsy Ross of today--as she retires 
her sewing needles with the Valley Forge Flag Company. Mrs. Major has 
been working at the Valley Forge Flag Company in Womelsdorf, 
Pennsylvania since 1941 and has truly left her mark on history.
  Not everyone could go to Pearl Harbor or Ground Zero, but Mrs. Major 
faithfully sewed our Stars and Stripes as our country's major historic 
events unfolded. Many flags were sewn through her tears, but it was 
always a labor of love and her patriotic honor to do something 
personally for America. ``Each time something bad happened, it only 
made me sew that much faster,'' she said. Through good times and bad, 
her spirit remained strong and she literally stitched the bad times 
away finishing her work with her identification number seven in the 
upper left corner of the flag. The numbers were written so supervisors 
could track how many flags each seamstress had completed each day.
  It is often said that America succeeds due to the remarkable 
accomplishments and contributions of her citizens. Mrs. Major leaves a 
significant legacy as a standard bearer for her profession. She 
continues to lead a life full of love, friendship, hospitality and 
service to her family as well as her community. She is an exceptional 
woman, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and American.
  As we unfold and proudly wave an American flag, we might see Frances' 
number seven--her indelible mark on history. At this time, I would ask 
my colleagues of the 109th Congress to join me in paying special 
tribute to Mrs. Frances Major. On the occasion of her retirement, we 
thank her for her dedicated service and we wish her all the best in the 
future.

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