[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 66 (Friday, May 13, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF LYMAN GRAHAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALBIO SIRES

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 13, 2011

  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of Lyman 
Graham, a devoted member of the United States military, who recently 
passed away in Neptune, New Jersey at the age of 92. Lyman was a native 
of Franklin, Pennsylvania, and graduated from the Graham School, 
Franklin High School, and Franklin Business School. In 1941, Lyman was 
drafted into the U.S. Army and received his officers training at Fort 
Monmouth, after which he was commissioned as a second lieutenant. 
During this time, Lyman met his wife, Betty Freeman of Bradley Beach, 
and they were married in Taullahoma, Tennessee on May 8, 1943.
  Lyman has a proud record of military service. As a member of the Army 
Signal Corps, Lyman played a key role during World War II. Soon after 
1943, his unit was deployed to Great Britain, where they prepared for 
the invasion of Normandy and followed the battles fought throughout 
France, Belgium, and Germany, providing supplies and provisions for the 
Allied troops. Lyman received a number of medals for his service, 
including the European War Theatre medal.
  Following V-E Day, Lyman remained in Europe for several months and 
returned to New Jersey and his wife in the fall of 1945. He was 
promoted to the rank of captain and was honorably discharged from the 
U.S. Army in 1946. Lyman and Betty briefly lived in Oil City, 
Pennsylvania. They returned to Bradley Beach in 1946, where they 
resided at their Hammond Avenue home.
  Not only did Lyman faithfully serve his county, he maintained an 
active role in his community throughout his life. He was a member of 
the Bradley Beach Post 337 of the American Legion for many years, 
serving as Finance Officer and participating in the group's activities. 
Lyman was Grand Marshall of the 2004 Bradley Beach Memorial Day Parade. 
In 1954, he was appointed Postmaster of the Bradley Beach Post Office, 
and he remained in that position until his retirement in 1979, 
following 25 years of service.
  Following his retirement, Lyman and Betty joined the local chapter of 
the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, where he served 
as treasurer for 20 years. Lyman was also a longtime active member of 
the First United Methodist Church of Bradley Beach, where he was a Lay 
Leader, and a member of the Staff Parish Committee, United Methodist 
Men, and the Adult Choir. Lyman and Betty chaperoned the youth 
fellowship groups on a number of trips and activities. A Boy Scout in 
his youth, Lyman remained active in that organization as Scoutmaster 
for a number of years.
  Throughout his life, Lyman was an exceptionally devoted husband and 
father and I know that Lyman will be greatly missed by his family and 
friends. Lyman's story will live on to serve as an inspiration for 
generations to come, and I thank him for his dedication to this great 
country.

                          ____________________