[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E193-E194]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      COMMEMORATING NORMAN AND NORMA BURMAH'S 83 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. VANCE M. McALLISTER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. McALLISTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with great pride and 
pleasure to commemorate Norman and Norma Burmah on the occasion of 
their 83rd wedding anniversary.
  Norman and Norma were introduced at the ``Roof Garden Dance Hall'' in 
New Orleans during a performance by the legendary Louis Armstrong, and 
were married on January 26, 1931.
   Inspired by their Creole heritage, Norman and Norma created a 
livelihood by starting a successful catering business. They were 
blessed with two children, six grandchildren, and thirteen great 
grandchildren. They have stood steadfast in their faith over the years, 
still beginning each day in prayer. Norma's love for parties and 
traveling is what she claims have kept her young at heart. They enjoy 
the simple things in life: old movies, game shows, watching the New 
Orleans Saints and entertaining guests at their home. Until 2005, the 
Burmahs lived in New Orleans, where they met, until they sadly lost 
their home in Hurricane Katrina. The Burmahs now reside in Marksville, 
LA, and continue to exemplify a strong character of dedication, 
compassion and devotion to one another.
   I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Norman and Norma 
Burmah, the longest married couple in Louisiana, as they celebrate 83 
years of dedication to one another which serves as an inspiration to 
all.

                   [From the Louisiana Family Forum]

       Introduced by a close friend, Norman and Norma Burmah met 
     at the ``Roof Garden Dance Hall'' in New Orleans during a 
     live

[[Page E194]]

     performance by Louis Armstrong playing their theme song 
     ``What a Wonderful World.'' They were married shortly 
     thereafter on January 26, 1931, and the two have remained 
     inseparable. ``Maw'' and ``Paw,'' as their family fondly 
     calls them, begin each day in prayer. Norma claims that she's 
     a ``young 98'' and continues to prove this through her love 
     for parties and her independent trip to France only years 
     ago. Norma has never driven a day in her life! However, 
     Norman is not shy of his achievements adding that he drove 
     until he was 97 and rode his first jet-ski at 92! While he's 
     a student of politics, football and game shows, she a fan of 
     ``Lawrence Welk'' and enjoys old movies. They created a 
     livelihood together, operating a thriving catering business 
     inspired by their Creole heritage.
       They lived in New Orleans until 2005, and, to this day, 
     they both remain deeply devoted New Orleans Saints fans! 
     After tragically losing their home during Hurricane Katrina, 
     the Burmahs moved to Marksville, La. At 97 years of age, 
     Norman proudly purchased their new home where they 
     independently live along with their prize Rooster, 
     ``Jindal.''
       They have been blessed with a healthy family consisting of 
     two children, six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

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