[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 26 (Monday, February 9, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ROYCE HOPKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 9, 2009

  Mr. McCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Royce Hopkins of Waller County, who passed away on February 6, 2009.
  Today we celebrate the life of a great man who was one of my heroes. 
Royce Hopkins was a dear friend and a gentle man in every sense of the 
word. He will always be remembered for his kindness, integrity and his 
optimistic and infectious smile. I can still see the twinkle in his 
eyes and his spirit lives on in all of us.
  Like my father, Royce served in the Eighth Air Force in World War II. 
Like Dad, he flew on bombing missions in a B-17 known as the Flying 
Fortress. On December 4, 1944, Royce and his crew arrived in England. 
He flew 26 combat missions over Germany, 25 bombing and one weather 
mission. He earned four Air Medals, five Battle Stars, a Commendation 
Medal for a special assignment, a Purple Heart and two presidential 
Commendations for the group.
  His generation saved the free world from the threat of fascism. Born 
during the Great Depression and tempered by war, they will always be 
known as the Greatest Generation. I remember going to Royce's WWII 
reunion and meeting the veterans with whom he served. And now, like my 
father and so many in their generation, he has passed on and returned 
to our heavenly Father. Perhaps they are together now talking about 
airplanes.
  This Christmas I received an A-2 Bomber Jacket with Army Air Corps 
and Eighth Air Force patches. I thought of Royce and my Dad and I 
regret not having the chance to show it to Royce. But maybe he can see 
it from a better vantage point now.
  I met Royce during my first campaign for Congress. He supported me 
when many did not and he was always there for me. I remember how much 
he reminded me of my own father and he was a shining example of how to 
live. Like many others in his generation, he taught us how to be 
courageous but with humility. He taught us how to have a sense of humor 
and I learned a great deal from him.
  As we mourn our personal loss, we must also celebrate the life of 
Royce Hopkins, for it was a great life and he lived it to the fullest. 
To his wife, Mollie, and his children, Kim, Kit, Sharon and Mike, like 
you, we all loved Royce. It was hard not to, he was just that kind of 
person. I am fortunate God brought us together. He was my friend and I 
will miss him dearly.
  I am reminded of the Gospel of Matthew when Jesus said, ``Let your 
light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify 
your Father who is in Heaven.'' May the peace of Christ be with you and 
may He hold you in the palm of His hand.
  I will miss him dearly. Well done, good and faithful servant.

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