[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 30 (Monday, February 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF MR. ELMER D. SAXTON, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE

                              of delaware

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 25, 2008

  Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute 
to the late Elmer D. Saxton, Sr. Mr. Saxton passed away peacefully at 
the age of 87 on Monday, February 18, 2008, surrounded by his family. 
Formerly, Mr. Saxton served as the State of Delaware Service Officer 
for the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.
  Mr. Saxton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in 
death by his wife of 50 years, Agnes, in 1993. A career soldier, Mr. 
Saxton proudly served our country as a member of the United States Army 
in both World War II and the Korean War. He was recognized for his 
service in various artillery and ordinance corps by several 
commendation medals. Following his retirement from active duty, Mr. 
Saxton worked for the University of Delaware and the United States 
Postal Service before taking his position at the Veterans of Foreign 
Wars.
  Upon his retirement from his position as Delaware's VFW Service 
Officer, Mr. Saxton continued to put forth tireless effort in assisting 
those in need. As a member of the American Legion and the Knights of 
Columbus, as well as an ongoing member of the VFW, he devoted himself 
to ensuring that flags were placed on all veterans' graves and that 
members of the honor guard served for fallen comrades. In addition, Mr. 
Saxton was instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Memorial 
Cemetery and the Veterans Nursing Home in Milford, Delaware. As a 
founder and faithful member of Holy Family Church for many years, he 
enthusiastically participated in community outreach and service 
projects, including the collection and distribution of food with Val's 
Needy People fund and the delivery of emergency and holiday groceries. 
Mr. Saxton faced all challenges with one goal in mind: to help another.
  Mr. Saxton, or ``Pop'', as he was called by his family, will be 
lovingly remembered by his three children, nine grandchildren, and 
eleven great-grandchildren. They will remember him as a man who loved 
to solve crossword puzzles, loved to root for his beloved Philadelphia 
Eagles and Phillies and Wilmington Blue Rocks, and loved to help 
others. His superlative example of heroism, dedication, and 
selflessness will serve as an inspiration to all those who knew him.




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