[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 40 (Friday, February 28, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HAPPY 105TH BIRTHDAY, ERMA HELEN ROSENHAN

  (Mr. McADAMS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McADAMS. Madam Speaker, Erma Helen Rosenhan turns 105 years old 
today. Erma was born at home in 1915, in Salt Lake City, the seventh of 
nine children born to German immigrant parents.
  During Erma's lifetime, she has witnessed such developments as 
electricity, radio, television, telephones, computers, cellphones, 
automobiles, and airplanes.
  These are all things that she did without for much of her young life, 
and she has said that she was better off without them. Erma loves 
simplicity.
  Most of Erma's life has been dedicated to genealogy research of her 
German ancestors. She has researched over 450,000 family names, going 
back to the year 1150 AD.
  Erma has also lived a very simple life, living very modestly and 
saving her money. She once debated whether or not to extend her grocery 
list to include a loaf of banana bread. After a minute of thought, she 
said: ``Oh, what the heck. I feel reckless today.''
  Because of her frugality, Erma has been able to donate tens of 
thousands of dollars to humanitarian needs over the many years she has 
been living.
  At 105, Erma says: ``One person can make a difference, no matter how 
old they are, so don't ever give up. I tell the Lord, I know I am old, 
but I will do what You would have me do if You will help me, and He 
always does.''
  Erma's faith has influenced many, and she is not afraid to tell 
people when they ought to shape up. Erma's 105 years has been 
exemplary, a life full of selflessness and sacrifice.
  From the United States Capitol, happy 105th birthday to Erma Helen 
Rosenhan.

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