[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 46 (Monday, March 24, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING RICHARD CLINE

  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to Richard Francis 
Cline, a member of ``The Greatest Generation.'' Mr. Cline, who passed 
away last September at the age of 89, will be honored today by 
interment at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Cline was a dedicated 
father and patriot who, like so many of his generation, left friends, 
family, and the comfort of home to take up arms in defense of his 
Nation.
  A native of Chicago, and North Carolinian later in his life, Mr. 
Cline and his eight siblings knew hardship early in life, coming of age 
during the Great Depression. To help support his family he worked at 
several jobs as a boy and as a young man. He began working by selling 
popcorn at Wrigley Stadium at the age of 9 and learned, out of 
necessity, the merit of a strong work ethic that would follow him for 
the rest of his life.
  After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army at the age 
of 18. He served his country in General Patton's famous 3rd Army Corps, 
where he was a member of the 15th Medical Supply Division that operated 
in England as well as France and Belgium during the Battle of the 
Bulge. He witnessed the horrors of war and served his country to 
provide not only for his family, but also for the freedom of all 
Americans.
  While stationed in a small town in Belgium, he met his future wife, 
Jeanine. She returned with him to America and they continued their 
lives together following the war. They were married for 64 years, and 
together they raised 4 children who saw their father not only as their 
parent, but as their friend.
  Once Mr. Cline returned home, he started what would become a 44-year 
career with the Continental Can Corporation. Those who knew him would 
tell you that he expected nothing he did not earn, and worked hard to 
achieve the American dream he fought so hard to protect. He gave 
earnestly to his community in many ways throughout his life, often 
making wooden toys for children who might not otherwise have had any 
presents at Christmas. Richard Francis Cline embodied the spirit of the 
``greatest generation'' and made many who knew him proud to call him 
both a fellow American and a friend.
  I am honored to have been able to call Mr. Cline a constituent. His 
interment at Arlington National Cemetery is recognition of his loyal 
service to this great Nation. I offer my condolences to his family and 
those who knew Mr. Richard Cline, for we have lost a remarkable man and 
role model.

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