[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 183 (Friday, November 15, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE SACRIFICE OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSEPH ROBERT LIVERMORE

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                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 15, 2019

  Mr. McCARTHY. Madam Speaker, it was only two days after the attack on 
Pearl Harbor when Joseph Robert Livermore chose to enlist in the United 
States Marine Corps. At just the young age of 19, he felt compelled to 
answer the call to serve in the second World War, a war that would take 
him across the globe to defend this great nation.
  Bob was a Private First Class and had been serving in the military 
for nearly two years when he arrived at the Battle of Tarawa. He and 
his division initially survived the fight; a presidential unit citation 
even lauded his unit's ``outstanding performance in combat'' Sadly, 
however, that same battle would eventually cost Bob his life when he 
was fatally wounded by an enemy bayonet.
  Bob was laid to rest with 1,000 brothers-in-arms on then Japanese-
held Betio Island where he would remain for nearly 80 years. It wasn't 
until July 30th of this year, that through advances in technology and 
by the grace of God, Bob's remains were identified to be returned home.
  Though it has been nearly eight decades since Bob's passing, we must 
never forget that he is much more than a name inscribed on a memorial. 
He was a young man from Bakersfield whose deep sense of patriotism and 
love of country was instilled in him from an early age. He attended 
East Bakersfield High School where he was a star athlete of both 
football and track. He was President of his junior class. He was a 
loving brother and a thoughtful son. And perhaps most importantly, he 
was taken from this earth before his full potential could be realized.
  To Bob's family here in attendance, please know that we will never 
forget his sacrifice, and we humbly join you in celebrating his life 
today and commemorating his memory which will far outlive any of us.
  Bob's story is a meaningful reminder that tomorrow isn't guaranteed, 
and that we should be particularly grateful for our servicemen and 
servicewomen who willingly put themselves in harm's way to defend our 
freedoms.
  And to Bob, who I'm sure is smiling at us from above, at long last, 
welcome home. We've been waiting for him.

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