[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 145 (Thursday, October 8, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF CYRUS BLACKMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. 
Cyrus Blackman, a World War II hero and a Northwest Florida community 
leader who passed away on October 7, 2009. Mr. Blackman spent his life 
serving his country and his family, and I am proud to honor his 
lifetime of dedication and service.
  Cy Blackman was a native and lifelong resident of Milton, Florida. He 
joined the United States Army at a young age during World War II, and 
went on to serve with the 563rd Anti-Aircraft Automatic Weapons 
Battalion operating trucks to move personnel, equipment, and supplies 
under extremely hazardous combat conditions. A veteran of combat in 
much of Central Europe, Cy fought honorably in the Battle of the Bulge 
and the Battle of the Rhine, receiving the World War II Victory Medal, 
the American Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern 
Service Medal with three Bronze Stars.
  After demobilization at the end of the war, Cy returned to Northwest 
Florida. He worked at International Paper, where he retired. Despite 
his service in World War II, for 60 years Cy never spoke of his time in 
the Army and never requested Veterans Administration benefits. However 
in 2008, Cy participated in the Emerald Coast Honor Flight, an 
experience that changed his life. After visiting the National World War 
II Memorial, he began to open up about his experiences in the war, and 
later even served as a spokesman for the Honor Flight organization, 
connecting the community with our veterans.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am 
privileged to honor Cy Blackman as an American hero reflective of the 
spirit of Northwest Florida. Cy will be remembered as a loving husband 
and father and as an important part of our community. My wife Vicki and 
I offer our prayers for his wife, Polly, children, Christopher and 
Lecia, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as we remember and honor 
the life of Cy Blackman.

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