[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 188 (Thursday, November 16, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1588]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     100TH BIRTHDAY OF CARL BURGER

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                         HON. BRAD R. WENSTRUP

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 2017

  Mr. WENSTRUP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the l00th 
birthday of Carl Burger of Williamsburg, Ohio.
  In 1917, the first World War still burned in Europe. But in small 
town America, William and Emily Burger were welcoming Carl Burger to 
the world, and to Ohio. With the exception of several exceptional years 
in service to his country, Carl has lived in Williamsburg, Ohio for his 
entire life.
  On the occasion of Carl's birthday, I'd like to tell you a bit about 
where one hundred years of a remarkable life has taken him.
  In Williamsburg, Carl was many things. A formidable basketball 
player, a talented drummer, an employee in the family meat market. He 
left Williamsburg for the first time when he volunteered for the army 
in 1941, before the United States entered the Second World War. He was 
months away from completing his service, and returning to Ohio, when 
Pearl Harbor was bombed. Carl knew in that moment that he'd be in the 
war for its duration.
  I cannot speak directly for Carl's wartime experience. But his story 
is one of humanity, humility, and humor. He served as 3rd Infantry 
medic in North Africa, and throughout the Italian campaign. While 
serving on the front lines, he had more than a few close calls with 
torpedoes, artillery, and enemy patrols. Carl is keenly aware of a 
sense of luck, or a touch of providence, that guided him through these 
incidents largely unharmed.
  While Carl surely saw enough of the war to last him a lifetime, he 
also witnessed great bravery, and he rose to great bravery in return. 
He was awarded the Bronze Star for directing the evacuation of 58 
wounded GI's from the front lines of Italy. His experiences taught him 
that courage can be found in funny places--a shared bottle of 
contraband whiskey, or an unexpected foxhole visit from a general.
  Ultimately, like every veteran, Carl's service is only a part of his 
story. He was still a young man when he returned to Williamsburg. He 
returned to his father's meat market, and the town band. He married and 
had children. He has a long history of participation in fraternal 
organizations like the Masons, and youth service organizations like the 
International Order of Rainbows for Girls.
  His talent as a grill-master is legendary, as is his generosity and 
spirit.
  Mr. Speaker, Carl Burger is a good man, and he's lived one hundred 
years worth celebrating. I hope you'll all join me in wishing him the 
happiest of birthdays.

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