[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 16, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S8852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JACK VAN DER GEEST

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I recognize the 85th birthday 
of Jack van der Geest of Rapid City, SD. A native of the Netherlands 
and author of ``Was God on Vacation?'', Jack's life story is a heroic 
depiction of courage and the willingness to act against the evils that 
threaten our world and our freedoms.
  Born in the Netherlands in 1923, Jack's younger years witnessed the 
horrifying and devastating effect of Nazi Germany in Europe. Jack 
endured many trials and tribulations after the Nazis invaded his 
homeland in 1940; however, none of them would prove to break Jack's 
spirit of perseverance. After his capture, Jack's resilience served him 
well as he became one of only eight prisoners to escape from the 
Buchenwald concentration camp.
  Following Jack's escape from terror in the heart of Nazi Germany, he 
further pledged his services to fight the Nazi occupation throughout 
Europe. Jack joined the French Underground and helped Allied 
paratroopers escape capture in Vichy, France. Soon after, Jack arrived 
in England where he became an interpreter for the storied 101st 
Airborne. Jack eventually immigrated to America and became a United 
States citizen in 1953.
  In 1995, Jack authored the book ``Was God on Vacation?'', an 
autobiography of his life during World War II. This astonishing work 
gives an in-depth account of Jack's struggles and endeavors from 1940-
1947. Jack's testimony truly shines a light on the persecution and 
challenges many Europeans endured during World War II and how some 
fought dearly to repel the Nazi aggressors. The story of Jack van der 
Geest reminds us to never take for granted the freedoms that so many 
have fought for in our armed services and around the world.
  I would like to send my heartfelt congratulations to Jack on his 85th 
birthday and thank him for telling his story and allowing us all to 
never forget how fortunate we are to be free.

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