[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E436]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO OREGON'S LAST WORLD WAR I VETERAN MR. HOWARD V. RAMSEY

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                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Ms. HOOLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
Oregon's last World War I veteran, Mr. Howard V. Ramsey. On February 
22, 2007, our country lost one of our bravest, one of our favorite 
sons.
  Howard V. Ramsey was born in 1898 in Rico, Colorado. As a student at 
Washington High in Portland, Oregon, Mr. Ramsey enrolled in the Oregon 
Naval Militia. After a failed attempt to enroll in the United States 
Army because he was underweight, Mr. Ramsey's perseverance and 
dedication to serve showed true as he was accepted later that year.
  Mr. Ramsey served as an Army corporal in France. Armed with the 
highly sought-after skill of driving, Mr. Ramsey was charged with 
providing transportation for officers, providing water for soldiers on 
the front lines and returning the bodies of soldiers killed in combat.
  After completing his service, Mr. Ramsey returned to Portland, 
Oregon, around 1920 and worked for Hudson-Essex, which later became 
Hudson Motor Car Company. In 1922 he went to work for Western Electric, 
which later became AT&T, and retired in 1963 at the age of 65.
  I join all Oregonians, and all Americans, in expressing my sincere 
condolences to the family of Howard V. Ramsey for their loss. Our 
state, and our nation, is greater because of Mr. Ramsey's presence and 
we are lessened by his passing.
  It is a true honor and privilege to be here today to remember one of 
the last World War I veterans. Madam Speaker, our country is honored by 
his service and thankful for all that he gave to ensure our freedom.

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