[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        GAETANO ARMANDO FORMICA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Gaetano Armando 
Formica who selflessly served as a U.S. Army soldier during World War 
II and is celebrating his 100th birthday. His family and friends will 
join together this Sunday to celebrate and wish him continued health, 
happiness, and prosperity.
  Gaetano Armando Formica, also known as Al, was born September 4, 
1914. Al worked in the family bakery and then went on to work for 
Federal Leather. With his experience there, Al eventually went on to 
open his own shop where he recovered chairs and furniture.
  Al married his wife Anna in 1943. Soon thereafter, he was drafted 
into the Army and served in several European countries during World War 
II. His services in World War II deserve special recognition.
  Al was on Utah Beach, the westernmost part of the Allied landing 
beach on D-Day, the Invasion of Normandy. He also fought in the Battle 
of the Bulge toward the end of World War II.
  Al helped to liberate the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. It was one 
of the first and largest concentration camps on German soil where over 
55,000 innocent souls lost their lives. Today, the remains of 
Buchenwald serve as a memorial and permanent exhibition and museum.
  Al returned to civilian life after being injured during the war. For 
many years, he served as commander in the Disabled American Veterans 
Post 38. He was also the Grand Marshall in the Memorial Parade in 2009.
  Al and his wife Anna have been blessed with three children, Armand, 
Gary, and Roberta as well as six grandchildren and eight great-
grandchildren. Sadly, his son Gary was killed in 1970 while serving his 
nation in the Vietnam War. Truly the Formica family has given of itself 
in service of our great nation.
  Al and Anna currently reside in Bloomfield, NJ. Al keeps busy with 
gardening work, playing the guitar, and cooking. He also takes care of 
Anna who is wheelchair bound.
  As his friend, I am very pleased to have the great fortune of being 
able to honor such a marvelous member of our community. I sincerely 
wish Mr. Gaetano Armando Formica and his entire family the best.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing and commemorating the 
services of individuals like Mr. Gaetano Armando Formica.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Mr. Formica's 
family, friends, and all those whose lives he has touched, and me, in 
recognizing Gaetano Armando Formica for one hundred years of life 
dedicated to family and nation.

                          ____________________