[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 132 (Friday, August 2, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1023]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BRUCE FLAHERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 2, 2019

  Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and hold up for 
distinction the tireless work of Mr. Bruce Flaherty, a Vietnam veteran 
and my constituent from Flushing, Queens.
  Since 2004, Mr. Flaherty has dedicated himself to see that a flag is 
flown over the Capitol for each of the men in his infantry who were 
killed in Vietnam. At the completion of this mission this year, he flew 
a total of 289 American flags to honor the service and sacrifice of his 
fellow servicemen. Mr. Flaherty located and identified 103 families of 
those killed in the Vietnam War and has presented each of them with our 
nation's flag and official certificate. His commitment over the decades 
is heartfelt, exemplary, and admirable.
  Born and raised in Queens, Mr. Flaherty served in Vietnam from 1968 
to 1969 in the 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment (Old Guard). He was 
honorably discharged from the Army and received the Purple Heart Award.
  After returning to the United States, Mr. Flaherty worked at the New 
York Telephone Company for 32 years. He worked on veterans issues with 
the Americal Division Veterans Association, helping veterans and their 
families locate information in the National Archive to assist in their 
claims for awards and benefits. Mr. Flaherty also volunteered on a 
variety of task forces, including Hurricane Gloria in 1985 and Ground 
Zero in 2001.
  Mr. Flaherty has dedicated countless hours to help us remember those 
who lost their lives when fighting for our country. His work has also 
reassured families that the sacrifices their loved ones made for our 
country are remembered and that their memories live on.
  I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Flaherty for all he has done, 
and continues to do, to honor those who valiantly fought and died for 
our freedom. His work is greatly appreciated, and I am honored to have 
him as my constituent.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of 
Representatives to join me in celebrating the selfless work and 
remarkable achievements of Mr. Bruce Flaherty. His dedication to 
honoring his fellow soldiers is truly commendable.

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