[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 143 (Friday, September 23, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     65 YEARS--VIRGIL & DORRACE POE

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 23, 2011

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on October 16, Virgil and Dorrace Poe, 
my parents, will celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary. This 
milestone is more than an anniversary; it is a remarkable 
accomplishment. For over six decades, my parents have taught me the 
value of education, the power of God, and the rewards of hard work.
  The story of my parents is truly an American one. After my father 
served in the Second World War, he returned to Texas where he was 
stationed at the Army Post in Fort Hood. He met my mother at a 
Wednesday night ``prayer meeting'' at the Church of Christ. My mother 
was a volunteer for the Red Cross at the local Army hospital and a 
cashier at the Kyle Hotel's coffee shop in Temple, Texas. They married 
the next year.
  Over the next few years, my parents welcomed my sister Jayne and me 
into the world. My dad went to Abilene Christian University thanks to 
the GI Bill. The family lived in the Army Barracks while dad attended 
classes. My dad worked climbing telephone poles for Southwestern Bell, 
and also he worked nights at KRBC radio station. His shifts at KRBC 
ended each night with ``Stars and Stripes Forever,'' a fitting song.
  Their marriage has taken them from Fort Hood to Abilene to Dallas and 
Houston with two brief stops in St. Louis.
  Throughout our great State of Texas, they have volunteered in their 
communities and in their churches. My mom found time to teach 
kindergarten and work for the IRS. My dad worked over 40 years as an 
engineer for Southwestern Bell, and he taught Sunday School for over 60 
years. My parents taught me to love God first and Texas second, but 
sometimes it seemed like it was the other way around.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to recognize the 65th wedding 
anniversary of my parents, Virgil and Dorrace. And that's just the way 
it is.

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