[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 154 (Friday, November 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2420]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING SUEY GEE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2005

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and achievements of World War II veteran Suey W. Gee of Oakland, CA. 
This weekend Mr. Gee celebrates his 79th birthday, his 80th birthday 
according to the Chinese lunar calendar. On this special occasion his 
friends and family will gather to honor him for the immeasurable 
contributions he has made not only to their lives, but also to our 
country.
  Suey W. Gee was born in Canton, China on November 19, 1926. As a 
youth, he emigrated to the United States with his father to find work 
and help support his family back in China. In March 1945, at the age of 
19, he enlisted into the U.S. Army to aid his newly adopted country 
during World War II. He served in the 128th infantry and trained as an 
anti-aircraft gunner. His unit was ultimately deployed to Hiroshima, 
Nakasaki and Okinawa following the atomic bombings that destroyed those 
cities, where he served as part of the occupation army and helped to 
facilitate the disarmament of Japan.
  Mr. Gee was honorably discharged from military service on November 
22, 1946. Though Mr. Gee was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, 
the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal 
under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, due to the metal shortage during 
the war era, in addition to the fact that he moved around frequently in 
search of work, he did not receive his medals at that time.
  In 1948, Mr. Gee traveled back to China where he married Sue King 
Gee, and they subsequently returned to the U.S. together. Mr. Gee 
became a proud citizen of the United States of America on September 18, 
1957, and Mrs. Gee became a citizen soon after.
  Like many immigrant families who come to America, Mr. and Mrs. Gee 
faced many obstacles, overcoming poverty, hardship and discrimination 
as they persevered toward achieving their dreams. They worked in the 
food service, cannery and sewing industry for over 55 years, remaining 
steadfastly committed to providing greater opportunities for their 
children than what they had themselves. Married for over 58 years, Mr. 
and Mrs. Gee have three daughters and one son, all of whom are 
currently living or working in the city of Oakland as active and 
productive members of our community.
  Mr. Gee is retired now and spends his time keeping up with local and 
national politics. At almost 80 years old, he still votes regularly and 
remains civically engaged in the country that he served in the U.S. 
Army more than 60 years ago.
  On this very special occasion, Mr. Gee's friends and family will come 
together not only to celebrate his birthday, but to present him with 
his hard-earned and well-deserved military service medals over six 
decades after his honorable discharge. On behalf of California's Ninth 
Congressional District, I would like to take this opportunity to salute 
and thank Mr. Suey W. Gee for his brave service to our country, and for 
his invaluable contributions to our community.

                          ____________________