[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E824]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE LATE SEAMAN 1ST CLASS EDWARD SLAPIKAS ON THE 
                    OCCASION OF HIS FINAL HOMECOMING

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                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 12, 2018

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Seaman 
1st Class Edward Slapikas. 77 years ago, Edward was killed in the 
attack on Pearl Harbor and buried in Hawaii, but never identified. On 
Saturday, June 9, 2018, Edward received a hero's welcome home and full 
military honors following a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit 
Parish.
  Edward Slapikas was born on August 9, 1915, son of the late Frank and 
Ursula Slapikas. He grew up in the Wanamie section of Newport Township, 
Pennsylvania and attended Newport Area High School. After graduation, 
he worked for the Glen Alden Coal Company before joining the Navy in 
1940.
  On December 7, 1941, Edward was serving aboard the USS Oklahoma 
berthed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Oklahoma endured Japanese torpedo 
attacks which capsized the ship and killed 26-year-old Edward and more 
than 400 of his fellow sailors. Edward and his compatriots were laid to 
rest in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl 
Cemetery) in Hawaii.
  More than 70 years after that fateful December day, Edward was 
identified and finds his final resting place in St. Mary's Cemetery in 
his hometown of Wanamie. VFW Post 971 is named in Edward's memory, and 
his remaining family, a niece and nephew, was in attendance to 
celebrate his legacy.
  It is a solemn honor to recognize the memory of Seaman 1st Class 
Edward Slapikas. Our nation is grateful for his selfless service in 
World War II. We shall never forget his sacrifice for our freedom, and 
we are honored to finally welcome him home. May he rest in peace.

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