[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 22 (Wednesday, February 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATION OF MONSIGNOR BONNER HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE SESTAK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 4, 2009

  Mr. SESTAK. Madam Speaker, on this day, one of the finest schools in 
Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District will pay honor to its many 
exceptional graduates who have given their lives in service to our 
nation.
  It is with a combination of pride and humility that I rise to honor 
the alumni, faculty, students and families of Monsignor Bonner High 
School in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Specifically, we all owe a debt of 
gratitude to Mr. Dennis Murphy and Mr. Jim Ulmer. These two combat 
Veterans of the Vietnam War, in collaboration with other Veterans, 
graduates, and school president, the Rev. Augustine M. Esposito, 
O.S.A., Ph.D. have worked hard to pay tribute to Bonner's courageous 
graduates, their families and comrades-in-arms past, present, and 
future.
  Founded in 1953 and expertly led by friars of the Order of St. 
Augustine, Monsignor Bonner High School has imbued in every young man 
who has passed through its doors the moral and intellectual foundation 
required to serve our nation with honor, courage, and commitment. Among 
its alumni and faculty are thousands of veterans including the Rev. 
John Melton, O.S.A., who served in the United States Marine Corps and 
throughout his tenure as Bonner's Guidance Counselor inspired an untold 
number of young men to follow his example of service to country, 
community, and God.
  As our nation fights two wars far from our shores it is essential 
that we thank Monsignor Bonner High School and its surrounding 
neighborhoods in the Delaware Valley that have offered so many of their 
sons and daughters in service to our nation.
  There is a headstone in Ireland that reads, ``Death leaves a 
heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.'' 
Today, Monsignor Bonner High School continues to reflect the very best 
in our nation and society in memorializing the sacrifices of some of 
its many heroes. Most importantly, they have done so in a way that will 
forever represent our love and our respect for the great gift those 
young men offered in service to the United States of America.

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