[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING AND CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF BENJAMIN ``BEN'' MORRIS OF 
                        WESTMORELAND COUNTY, VA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 26, 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 eleventh 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 evade 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. He was 
married that year and him and his wife would have three boys and a 
daughter together. In 1951, Northern Neck Lumber, Inc. opened for 
business in Warsaw, VA. After his brother's death, Ben continued to run 
the business as President 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 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.

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