[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 151 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING WILLIE HESELMEYER AND ELDA ZEPLIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN R. CARTER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 28, 2013

  Mr. CARTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the lasting love 
and commitment of two great Texans.
  On November 2, 1938 millions of Americans recalled the thrilling race 
the day before between thoroughbreds Seabiscuit and War Admiral. Others 
were still recovering from Orson Welles' legendary War of the Worlds 
radio broadcast from the previous weekend.
  Willie Heselmeyer and Elda Zeplin of Taylor, TX had bigger things on 
their minds. They were joining hands at the Prince of Peace Lutheran 
Church (founded by Elda's family in 1894) to become husband and wife.
  75 years later, they still walk together hand in hand. Willie, with 
Elda constantly by his side, worked the land as a cotton, corn, and 
milo farmer. They brought two sons into the world and were united 
through feast and famine. Together they witnessed their nation's brave 
soldiers defend freedom on foreign shores, watched a humble 
midwesterner take mankind's first steps on another world, and marveled 
at technological advances beyond any of their dreams.
  What began in 1938 continues strong into a new millennium. Willie and 
Elda still live independently in their home on their farm east of 
Taylor. They play dominoes with friends nearly every day. Family and 
faith remain at the center of their happy life together.
  Willie and Elda will gather this November with friends and family at 
the Fellowship Hall of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor to celebrate 
75 years of love and commitment. Marriages like the Heselmeyers are the 
foundations of one of our most cherished institutions and give us all 
an ideal to which we can aspire. They make both Texas and our nation 
strong. Erika and I, who will celebrate a half century of marriage in a 
few years, congratulate Willie and Elda on 75 years together and wish 
them the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________