[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 68 (Thursday, April 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E549-E550]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF JOSEPH P. SILVA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2018

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Joseph 
Silva, a resident of New Bedford, Massachusetts, who turned 100 years 
young on Thursday, April 12th.
  Joseph has dedicated his life to serving his community and country. 
In World War II he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years in 
North Africa and another in Italy. During his service, Joseph attained 
the rank of staff sergeant for the 22nd Quarter Master Battalion, 
Company A.
  Upon returning home, Joseph joined the New Bedford Fire Department, 
and remains the first and only Cape Verdean to achieve the rank of 
deputy chief. Joseph served at the Fire Department for thirty-six 
years, where he routinely encouraged other Cape Verdeans to apply, even 
inviting them into his home to study for the firefighter's exam. On his 
days off he worked as a longshoreman for nineteen years.
  In 1950, Joseph married Julia Barros. The two would go on to have two 
daughters together and today Joseph is a proud grandfather. Joseph has 
remained active in his community, receiving the Marian Medal from the 
Dioceses of Fall River for his dedicated service, and serving on his 
church's Building and maintenance Committee until just five years ago.

[[Page E550]]

  Mr. Silva's children and grandchildren speak incredibly highly of 
him, noting the value he placed on education, as well as the importance 
of listening and understanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Joseph Silva on this joyous occasion 
of his 100th birthday. I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing him 
many more years of health and happiness.

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