[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 75 (Friday, May 27, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN HONOR OF JOHN SHEPHERD AND THE AMERICAN SOLDIER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
John Shepherd, the longest-living veteran of the American Revolution, 
and all of our soldiers and veterans. This Memorial Day, the city of 
North Royalton will celebrate the life and patriotism of Mr. Shepherd, 
who lived to be 117 years, 9 months, and 18 days old.
  John Shepherd was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1729. He 
was a brave patriot and served in both the French and Indian War and 
the American Revolution. In 1817, Mr. Shepherd moved to Royalton 
Township in the present-day North Royalton, Ohio, where he spent the 
remainder of his long life as a farmer. At the time of his death, he 
was the last survivor of Braddock's Defeat, and he was the longest-
living veteran of the American Revolution. He was buried in the 
municipal cemetery of Royalton Township.
  This Memorial Day, the city of North Royalton will honor Mr. 
Shepherd, as well as all American soldiers and veterans, with a pancake 
breakfast, parade, and memorial service. The Cleveland Shrine Band, the 
United States Army Color Guard, the Boy Scouts of America, the Sons of 
the American Revolution, and a number of other organizations will be on 
hand to mark this special occasion. This will be a fitting celebration 
to commemorate Mr. Shepherd, and all veterans who have served their 
country.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of John Shepherd, the longest living veteran of the American 
Revolution. His spirit lives on through all soldiers and veterans that 
we proudly recognize, honor, and thank this Memorial Day.

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