[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 164 (Monday, December 13, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CYRIL ADOLPHUS BARNES CELEBRATES HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

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                       HON. DONNA M. CHRISTENSEN

                         of the virgin islands

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 13, 2010

  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of our 
very own Virgin Islanders, Cyril Adolphus Barnes, as he celebrates his 
100th birthday of December 22, 2010.
  Mr. Barnes was born on St. Croix on December 22, 1910, to Philip 
Barnes and Mary Eliza King. He was raised surrounded by strong family 
members including George Jackson, Headmaster of the then Christiansted 
School.
  Believing that the mainland United States would provide a better 
opportunity, in 1926 Mr. Barnes traveled by sea aboard the Dominica to 
New York. He, like many who went to the ``big city,'' soon learned that 
the streets of New York were not paved in gold and in order to 
accomplish his goals, he had to work hard.
  He did and continued his education. In 1943, he enlisted in the 
United States Navy, where he served until his honorable discharge in 
1946. Returning back to civilian life, he became employed by the U.S. 
Postal Service, retiring in 1979.
  After spending 53 years on the mainland, Mr. Barnes relocated back to 
his birthplace of St. Croix, where among other community involvements, 
he became an active member of American Legion Post No. 85.
  In March of 1929, he married Gerda Barnes, also from St. Croix and 
they became the parents of two children, Leroy and Dorthea Barnes 
Stevens (both deceased). He had three other children, Maria Barnes 
(deceased), Harold Barnes and Violet Barnes Hughes. His family also 
includes six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He has 
numerous friends and family members that will be celebrating his 100 
years of life.
  On behalf of myself, my staff, the entire Virgin Islands community 
and the Congress of the United States, I say ``Mr. Barnes, thank you 
for your service and we wish you a Happy Birthday and many more years 
filled with God's richest blessings.''

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