[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S4279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JAMES WEIR

 Mr. RUBIO. Mr. President, today I recognize Mr. James Weir 
with respect for his service and accomplishments as he turns 93 years 
old this month. Jim, as his friends refer to him, or Pap-pap, as he is 
known by his family, grew up in Mount Pleasant, PA, not far from 
Pittsburgh. Inducted into the U.S. Navy on August of 1943, Jim went to 
war on behalf of this Nation, fighting in Europe and Asia. On June 6, 
1944, Coxswain Weir crossed the English Channel aboard a LCT(A) to 
deliver tanks and troops onto the beaches of Normandy. After the battle 
was won in Europe, Jim fought in the liberation of the Philippines and 
was stationed in Japan as part of the occupational forces after the 
war.
  In between those pivotal moments, Jim received a 20-day leave after 
D-Day. He rushed back to the States to marry his sweetheart, Laverne 
Myers. They had been sweethearts since he had sat behind her in sixth 
grade, but Laverne was only 17 and Jim's leave was short. He loved 
Laverne, and she loved him. They quickly left Pennsylvania for Alabama, 
where they tied the knot before he had to return to the war. They 
remained in love for 73 years of marriage.
  After the war, he worked as a master electrician and was a renowned 
Corvette racer, leading the national Corvette club as its president. 
Jim now lives in Miami, FL, where he has two granddaughters and six 
great-grandchildren who love him dearly.
  In honor of his 93rd birthday, for his service to our great Nation 
and his love for his family and community, I would like to recognize my 
friend Jim Weir and look forward to seeing him on his 94th birthday 
this time next year.

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