[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 56 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                GERALDINE PENA CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. VELA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Geraldine Pena of 
La Feria, Texas, as she celebrates her centennial birthday today. She 
was born on April 1, 1919, in Tucson, Arizona.
  Geraldine, affectionately called Gerry, dropped out of high school to 
support her single mother and four younger siblings. After marrying her 
husband, Ralph, the couple relocated to his hometown of La Feria. 
There, she devoted her time to raising six children.
  As her children grew older, Mrs. Pena was able to become more 
actively involved in the community, always lending a hand when 
possible. She was also an active member of the American Legion 
Auxiliary Post 409, and her involvement included local, State, and 
national conventions in Texas and Hawaii.
  She is the proud grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 13 great-
grandchildren, with more expected in the coming years.
  I am pleased to honor Geraldine Pena for her legacy of unselfishness 
and generosity. Her devotion to her family and community is admirable, 
and I hope her 100th birthday celebration is filled with love and 
happiness. She is joined by family traveling from California, Illinois, 
Arizona, and across Texas.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Geraldine Pena a happy 
birthday and wishing her good health and prosperity.

                          ____________________