[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 7, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1006]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JAMES PONCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOIS FRANKEL

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 7, 2015

  Ms. FRANKEL of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate James 
Augustine Ponce of St. Augustine, Florida who turns 98 on July 19, 
2015.
  A native of St. Augustine, Florida, James Ponce was born on July 19, 
1917. His relatives descended from the family of Juan Ponce de Leon.
  Ponce grew up in the downtown area of St. Augustine, where his father 
owned R. Ponce Funeral Home. As a young boy he recalls his father 
burying American Tycoon, Henry Flagler, and other prominent figures of 
the community. In addition, Ponce has stated that his days at St. 
Joseph Academy afforded him the opportunity to learn about how Florida 
became a U.S. territory.
  This early exposure to America's Oldest City cemented his passion for 
the rich history that Florida boasts. Since that introduction as a 
child, Ponce has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the 
histories of St. Augustine, the Breakers, and Palm Beach. Ponce also 
proudly served his country in the Navy during World War II and the 
Marines during the Korean War. Since the 1950s, he has called Palm 
Beach County home. During his time at the Breakers Hotel and Resort, 
Ponce worked at the front desk and eventually retired as an assistant 
manager. As of now, he conducts weekly walking tours of the Breakers. 
Ponce is the official historian of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce 
and has also served as the President of the Historical Society of Palm 
Beach.
  Throughout his career and retirement, Ponce has been recognized for 
his vast historical knowledge. In 1996 the Palm Beach Town Council 
named him ``Palm Beach's only two-legged, historical landmark.'' He is 
the recipient of the Providencia Award from the Palm Beach Country 
Convention and Visitors Bureau, which recognizes an individual or 
agency that contributes to the prosperity of the tourism industry in 
the county.
  James Ponce is an exceptional man, and one whom I am proud to 
represent in Florida's 22nd District. I know I join with his family and 
friends in celebrating this wonderful occasion. I wish him good health 
and continued success in the coming years.

                          ____________________