[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 87 (Friday, May 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING MISSISSIPPI NAVY WWII VETERAN, PAUL SONNIER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 25, 2018

  Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Sonnier, a 
resident in my district and a United States Navy WWII Veteran.
  Paul Sonnier was born on January 13th, 1926, in Delcambre, Louisiana, 
near Lafayette. As the fifth oldest of ten children, Paul's ability to 
serve as a role model and leader has been evident throughout his life. 
Sonnier's father died when he was young, and Paul felt it was his duty 
to help his mother provide and care for his younger siblings.
  On December 7th, 1941, the bombing of Pearl Harbor sparked a fire 
inside of Paul, and he knew ``joining up'' would help provide for his 
family as well as honor his country. Paul enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in 
January of 1944, and served our country until May of 1946, when he was 
honorably discharged.
  In the Navy, he served aboard the USS LCI (G) 458 and was found 
worthy of membership in The Ancient and Sacred Order of the Golden 
Dragon as well as the Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the 
Deep. He received two battle stars as well as a Presidential Unit 
Citation.
  After his military service Paul worked for Freeport Sulphur Company 
in Port Sulphur, Louisiana, and later became a tugboat captain, until 
he retired.
  Paul was married and has six children and fifteen grandchildren. He 
moved from Louisiana to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, 
and has lived in the fourth Congressional District ever since.
  World War II veteran, Paul Sonnier, lives his life with honor and 
bravery, leaving behind a legacy that must be remembered as one of 
America's Greatest Generation.
  On April 23rd, the Phi Mu Women's Fraternity at the University of 
Southern Mississippi honored Mr. Sonnier by granting one of his last 
wishes--dancing with a beautiful woman. That he did, several times 
over. He said that it was wonderful to see that today's young people 
remember those who fought in World War II and would be kind enough to 
shower him with love on that day.
  I am honored to recognize Mr. Paul Sonnier today, and express the 
gratitude of our district to him for his service and dedication to our 
country by answering the call and serving honorably and bravely in 
World War II.

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