[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1711]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING SERVICE AT MINNETONKA HOMECOMING

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                           HON. ERIK PAULSEN

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. PAULSEN. Mr. Speaker, each fall, high schools across America hold 
homecoming parades to bring their community together and welcome back 
alumni. For Minnetonka High School this annual parade also gives the 
community an opportunity to honor its local veterans. Each year a 
veteran is selected to carry the American flag while riding at the 
front of the Minnetonka Homecoming Parade.
  This year, Lyle Bennis, a long time resident of Deephaven, Minnesota, 
and a World War II Navy veteran is carrying the Stars and Stripes at 
the head of the ceremony in Excelsior.
  Mr. Bennis was a Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class on the USS Card and USS 
McCook while serving in the European theater during WWII. Mr. Bennis's 
destroyer group recorded the most kills of German U-boat submarines in 
the Atlantic.
  After victory in Europe was cemented, he was transferred to the 
Pacific and served in the Philippines, and finally in U.S. occupied 
Japan.
  Lyle Bennis's service to our nation should never be forgotten. I 
thank him, and congratulate him for leading Minnetonka's homecoming 
parade.

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