[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E527]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF BENJAMIN ``BEN'' MORRIS OF 
                        WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
90th birthday of Benjamin ``Ben'' Morris of Westmoreland County, VA.
   Born on May 6, 1927, Ben would attend grade school at Oak Grove 
School for first through twelfth grade. Upon graduating in 1945, Ben 
enlisted in the United States Navy to serve in World War II.
   By the time Ben completed boot camp in Maryland, the war had ended 
but the mission to invade Japan was still to take place. He journeyed 
to California to board a troop ship that would travel to the Marshall 
Islands where he would board the USS Prairie. The USS Prairie traveled 
the seas of the Pacific, stopping at many islands, until it reached 
Tokyo, Japan. Ben recalls being amazed at the destruction of the city 
from the bombing that had occurred. After his naval tour of 15 months, 
he returned to his home in Montross, VA to begin working with his 
father at L.A. Clark Company, producing railroad ties.
   In 1950, Ben and his older brother built a lumber mill. That same 
year, Ben married his wife, Middy, with whom he would have three boys 
and a daughter. In 1951, Northern Neck Lumber, Inc. opened for business 
in Warsaw, VA. After his brother's death, Ben continued to run the 
business until 1995 when he retired. Ben's two sons continue to run the 
business today.
   Ben served on the Board of The Bank of Montross for 34 years until 
it was sold. Ben is a member of St. James Episcopal Church where he has 
served on the Vestry several times.
   Ben has enjoyed the pleasures of the Northern Neck: golfing, 
fishing, boating, and hunting. He is proud of his three children from 
his first marriage who have blessed him with nine grandchildren and 
seven great-grandchildren. Ben and his current wife of 33 years live in 
Montross, and her two children and five grandchildren have been part of 
an ever growing family.
   Mr. Speaker, I have had the pleasure of knowing Ben for many years 
and am honored to recognize him and to celebrate his 90th birthday. On 
behalf of the millions of Americans that he has selflessly served 
through his military service and service to his community, I thank him 
and wish him the happiest of birthdays.

                          ____________________