[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZES CENTENARIAN JESUS HERNANDEZ OF SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Jesus Hernandez of Spring Hill, FL. Jesus has done something that all 
of us strive for but that very few of us will ever accomplish, 
celebrate his 100th birthday.
  Jesus was born November 26, 1905 in Ciales, PR. Located in the 
central mountain range of the island, Jesus's parents owned and 
operated a small farm. He grew up with his brothers and sisters where 
he cared for cattle and horses and performed agricultural chores while 
attending school. Other than the love and respect he had for his 
parents, working on the farm and playing sports are the fondest 
memories of his childhood.
  During the Great Depression Jesus moved to New York City to work and 
help provide for his family during hard times. In 1932, he returned to 
Puerto Rico where he met and married his wife Carmen. Blessed with two 
sons, five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren, Jesus says 
that the happiest moment in his life was the birth of his two sons, Ed 
and Lou.
  During the Second World War Jesus tried to enlist in the military 
like his brothers but was unable to do so because of a heart condition. 
Jesus instead went to work for the railroad until 1944 when he decided 
to return to New York City with his wife and sons.
  Jesus moved to Spring Hill in 2004 where he lives with his son Lou, 
who retired from the U.S. Army, and his daughter-in-law Marge. Today, 
Jesus says he gets the most pleasure from walking in the morning, 
playing dominos and helping to maintain the trees and plants in his 
son's backyard. He says that the only thing he would change if he had 
the chance to do his life over would be to travel the world.
  Jesus says that despite his health he remains a positive person and 
possesses a great sense of humor. Jesus's secret to a long life is that 
he watches what he eats, does not drink alcoholic beverages and does 
not smoke. His advice to the young people is to ``finish your 
education, have respect and consideration for your parents and everyone 
as a whole, work hard and save your money to be self-dependent.'' 
Finally, Jesus says that ``he is proud to be an American and all it 
stands for. God Bless America.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Jesus Hernandez for 
reaching his 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to 
live as long as he has.

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