[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARLEIGH BIRK

  (Mr. STAUBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, this week we said good-bye to a brave 
member of the Greatest Generation. Arleigh Birk, Minnesota's last known 
survivor of the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away just 2 
days before his 100th birthday.
  Arleigh Birk was born and raised on a farm in North Dakota and joined 
the Navy when he was 19 years old. He was a 21-year-old Navy gun 
director stationed aboard the USS Honolulu when Pearl Harbor was 
attacked on Sunday, December 7, 1941.
  As enemy forces dropped bombs, Arleigh courageously returned fire. 
His ship suffered damage during the attack, and Arleigh was transferred 
to the USS Denver, where he fought numerous battles throughout the 
Pacific theater.
  After that war, he was honorably discharged and married the love of 
his life, Marion. Together, they had five children.
  On Minnesota's Iron Range, Arleigh became a local legend, known for 
his kindness and record of service.

  Over the years, he kept in touch with many of his fellow veterans 
through the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and often attended local 
events to honor the Americans lost on that infamous day.
  Madam Speaker, Arleigh lived an inspiring life, and I am proud to 
honor him here today. While he may be gone, Arleigh's legacy of 
service, sacrifice, and courage will live on in our hearts and our 
minds forever.

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