[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING JERRY AND VIRGINIA MORALES' 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2018

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the 
marriage of two outstanding individuals who have contributed to the 
growing diversification and development of Kansas City and Missouri's 
Fifth Congressional District. In mid-July of 1951, Kansas City and its 
citizens were one of several areas that fell victim to major flooding 
in the Midwest United States. Following the ``Great Flood of 1951,'' 
and during a trying time in which communities were facing a variety of 
obstacles, including family relocation, Mr. Jerry Morales and Ms. 
Virginia Gloria Alvarez first met.
  Following the devastating events that unfolded from the flood, Mr. 
and Mrs. Morales would soon meet again as teenagers in their shared 
place of employment to support and provide assistance to struggling 
families. Receiving the approval of both parents to marry, in 1953, the 
couple began their lifelong commitment to value, respect, and cherish 
one another.
  To join their brothers and sisters, and to start a family of their 
own, the Mr. and Mrs. Morales relocated from the Westside Community of 
Kansas City, Missouri to the thriving Historic Northeast community. The 
opportunities provided by increased diversity and affordable housing 
contributed to their decision to relocate and, ultimately, thrive in 
the growing community.
  Since their move, Mr. and Mrs. Morales have seen their family grow 
just as they wished when they first married. Their eleven children all 
live in the greater Kansas City area and have given Mr. and Mrs. 
Morales the large family they always dreamed of with 22 grandchildren, 
19 greatgrandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
  Apart from being loving parents, grandparents, and great-
grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Morales share a history of being both 
politically and civically involved in the community. Mr. Morales was a 
two-time Golden Gloves champion, a boxing coach, and a referee. 
Furthermore, he grew up along Southwest Boulevard and went on to train 
other young, aspiring boxers in the community. Moreover, they continue 
to assist local organizations and contribute to the community through 
their longtime involvement with the Sheffield Neighborhood Association 
and as members at Our Lady of Peace Church.
  Mr. and Mrs. Morales share their worldliness with their friends, 
family, and community. They have traveled the world in every way 
possible-by plane, train, canoe, and automobile. The couple have 
traveled from the Americas to Europe numerous times and have 
demonstrated their love of family by purchasing a home in Mexico for 
their family to spend quality time together.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. and Mrs. Morales are a shining example of what 
marriage is meant to be, as well as the power of civic engagement 
within a community. I urge all of my colleagues to please join me and 
all of Missouri's Fifth Congressional District in honoring the marriage 
between Mrs. Virginia Morales and Mr. Jerry Morales.

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