[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 190 (Tuesday, December 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF JAMES H. AND ELIZABETH 
                              GARBUTT SHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. BOYD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 70th wedding 
anniversary of two American patriots residing in my District. Their 
deep dedication to this country founded in the commitment to each other 
is a testament to the strong values that have made this country and its 
people the model for the world to emulate.
  James Henry Shaw married Elizabeth Garbutt on December 14, 1939 in 
Valdosta, GA. James is a former U.S. Marine who stormed the beaches of 
Yellow Beach with the First Marine Division on April 1, 1945 and fought 
long and hard in the entire 82-day campaign that saw over 50,000 
American casualties including over 12,000 dead or missing. James was 
one of those casualties sustaining shrapnel wounds in his side earning 
him the Purple Heart. Once the island was secure, James and his fellow 
Marines began training exercises preparing to invade the main Islands 
of Japan on their push to Tokyo until the Japanese surrendered on 
August 15, 1945. He was then part of the occupying U.S. forces in China 
before returning home in 1946. Elizabeth remained back on the home 
front contributing to the vital efforts supporting our troops abroad. 
She raised two children and is now the proud matriarch of a family that 
has grown into 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her son was 
a career Air Force enlisted man with his children all serving proudly 
in the officer and enlisted ranks of the United States Air Force. Her 
daughter had two sons that attended the United States Naval Academy and 
are currently active duty officers in the United States Navy. Besides 
being a father and grandfather, James has been a career railroad 
freight man moving to trucking freight later in his life and retiring. 
James and Elizabeth are now in their 9th decade, still living 
unassisted, and until recently, served tirelessly and unselfishly as 
volunteers at their local polling precinct assisting others to vote.
  This achievement allows for reflection on what it means to remain in 
a committed and loving relationship dedicated to the values and ideals 
that help shape and foster the citizens of this great country. On 
behalf of my colleagues, and myself, I extend to James and Elizabeth 
Shaw my gratitude, deep appreciation, and continued health for many 
more years to come. Thank you both for your service and commitment to 
our country.

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