[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 169 (Thursday, October 24, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S6153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING RADIOMAN 2ND CLASS FLOYD A. WELLS
Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life and
patriotism of Radioman 2nd Class Floyd A. Wells. A native of Cavalier,
ND, he answered the call to defend his country during World War II. At
the age of 24, he made the ultimate sacrifice on December 7, 1941,
along with 2,402 other soldiers and sailors during the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor.
It was not until earlier this year that his remains were positively
identified, and on October 1 he was brought home to be buried at the
North Dakota Veterans Cemetery. Attending this burial were members of
his family who traveled from across the Nation to pay their respects to
this beloved member of their family. Even though most of them had never
met him, together they mourned the lost blessings of Floyd not being a
part of their family for the past 78 years.
He was remembered as a generous man and a gifted athlete who had a
full life ahead of him. Floyd's life could have included competing in
sports at college and having a family and home of his own.
Floyd's burial service was a poignant reminder of how the sacrifice
of heroes defending our country has an impact on those who knew and
loved them far into the future. He died so Americans could live in
peace and prosperity. I am thankful he is now back in his home State,
lying in eternal rest with other North Dakota heroes, and I am grateful
for the continued work of the many patriots who are committed to
identifying the remains of all unknown soldiers and bringing them home.
Mr. President, to the family of Radioman 2nd Class Floyd A. Wells, I
join citizens across the Nation in sending our sincere condolences. It
is heroes like Floyd whose service has kept our communities, State,
Nation, and world safe. His life made a difference in the lives of all
of us, and we are forever grateful.
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