[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 152 (Tuesday, October 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE SURVIVING WORLD WAR II VETERANS OF OCCOQUAN, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor to the 
World War II veterans who currently reside in Occoquan, Virginia. Their 
service and sacrifice represent the height of American character; 
something to be honored and never forgotten.
  In December of 1941, the United States entered a war that had already 
engulfed much of the rest of the world. Throughout the course of World 
War II, 16,000,000 Americans answered the call of duty and served in 
the armed forces. The support of the nation's war effort ended in the 
ultimate sacrifice for more than 300,000 of these brave Americans. They 
were sons, daughters, fathers and mothers putting the defense of their 
nation above all else.
  The town of Occoquan is recognizing their service by honoring the 
surviving World War II veterans currently residing in Occoquan. So 
often our veterans return home and take up leadership roles in their 
communities. This group, which includes former Occoquan mayors, town 
council members and planning commissioners, is no exception. These 
individuals are a living testament to the strength and enduring nature 
of America's citizenry. Occoquan's surviving World War II veterans:
  Mr. Richard H. Bell, United States Army
  Mr. Edwin S. Clarke, United States Navy
  Mr. Robert Lehto, United States Navy
  Mr. Frank McKenzie, United States Navy
  Mr. James F. Phelps, United States Marine Corps
  Ms. June Randolph, United States Navy
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
the World War II veterans of Occoquan, Virginia. We recognize their 
contribution to honor the importance of their experience to the 
American story. To forget their sacrifice and the immeasurable cost of 
war is to do peace a disservice and bind ourselves to indefinite 
conflict.

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