[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1322]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF SAMUEL L. GRAVELY, JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the 
dedication of the Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Elementary School in 
Haymarket, Virginia. The school is named in honor of Vice Admiral 
Gravely, a Virginia native, who forged the way for a more diverse 
United States Navy. I cannot think of a more appropriate person to 
inspire our children to break barriers and achieve their highest 
potential.
  On December 14, 1944, Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. became the first African 
American to be commissioned as a United States Naval Officer through 
the Navy Reserve Officer Training Course. He went on to become the 
Navy's first African American vice admiral.
  During his distinguished 38-year career in the Navy, Vice Admiral 
Gravely became the first African American to command a warship, the USS 
Theodore E. Chandler; the first African American to command a major 
warship, the USS Jouett; the first African American to achieve flag 
rank and eventually vice admiral; and the first African American to 
command a numbered fleet.
  However, his service was not just one of firsts. Admiral Gravely was 
highly decorated with the Legion of Merit, a Bronze Star, the 
Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal. He moved to 
Haymarket, Virginia upon his retirement in 1980, and passed away on 
October 22, 2004.
  Just two weeks ago, the U.S. Navy commissioned a new Arleigh Burke-
class destroyer in honor of Vice Admiral Gravely during a ceremony at 
the shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi. His widow, Alma Gravely broke 
a bottle of champagne across the bow to christen the vessel.
  Vice Admiral Gravely's life accomplishments and service to his 
country represent the values that we would like to instill into our 
future generations. The Prince William County Public Schools' vision 
statement identifies a commitment to a diverse, multicultural education 
that produces students who enjoy a life-long pursuit of learning. Vice 
Admiral Gravely lived up to these ideals by setting a precedent of 
diversity in our nation's military and continuing his education 
throughout his life. Whether it was at Virginia Union University, 
Columbia University or the Naval War College; his thirst for knowledge 
never ceased. Vice Admiral Gravely's life embodied the vision that the 
Prince William County School System has for its students.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me honoring this 
American hero and endorsing the example he set for our nation's younger 
generation. I applaud Prince William County Public Schools for their 
decision to dedicate this school to Vice Admiral Samuel L. Gravely, Jr.

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