[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 16, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      TRIBUTE TO CARMINE CANN, SR.

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, it is a great privilege of mine to 
rise and honor a pillar of strength in my home State of West Virginia, 
Carmine Cann, Sr., as we celebrate his 90th birthday on July 27, 2020.
  Carmine has been like family to me for much of my life, and if there 
is anything to know about Carmine, it is that family is everything. It 
is one of the countless things I have always admired most about him, in 
addition to his unwavering devotion to our home State and his 
unparalleled knowledge of business and the law. Throughout my own life 
and career, I have always kept Carmine in the back of my mind--
remembering to stay strong for my State and my family.
  A native of Clarksburg, Carmine practiced law with his father upon 
graduating from West Virginia University College of Law. In 1954, their 
firm merged with another and became Young, Morgan and Cann, where he 
practiced until joining Flaherty's Clarksburg office in 2017.
  Carmine served in the West Virginia Legislature for 8 years as a 
member of the House of Delegates. Throughout government circles, he was 
widely known for his keen political awareness. The Charleston Gazette 
dubbed him ``Mighty Mouse'' for his accomplishments in and behind the 
scenes. After choosing not to run for reelection, Carmine served the 
West Virginia Coal Association and West Virginia Beer Wholesalers 
Association as a governmental relations consultant for over 25 years.
  Some of his awards and honors include St. Mary's Irish Legend in 
2011, Italian American Man of the Year by the West Virginia Italian 
Heritage Festival in 2005, and recipient of the Distinguished West 
Virginian Award in 1995.
  Among his many roles in the community, Carmine is also well known as 
a founding member of the Italian Heritage Festival's Board of 
Directors. The Italian Heritage Festival is such a special event for me 
and for people not only in West Virginia but for people from across the 
country. The Italian immigrants who came to this country didn't know 
where they were going, couldn't speak the language, and were unfamiliar 
with Appalachian culture. All they knew is that they had to work hard 
and were determined to provide a good life for their families. That is 
what the Festival represents, and those are the ideals that Carmine 
upheld. His lovely wife Florence, their 7 children, 25 grandchildren, 
24 great-grandchildren, and their entire family, 73 people altogether, 
have all been active in this beloved festival. After Florence's 
passing, Carmine endowed the Florence Chico Cann Children's Creative 
Arts Program as well as the Children's Chorus. Carmine is committed to 
the beautiful North Central region of our State, and I know I join 
countless West Virginians in thanking him for his service to his 
community for so many years.
  Carmine will tell you that much of his success is rooted in faith, 
and he is forever thankful for the blessings that his Lord and Savior, 
Jesus Christ, has provided. He is never one to accept acclaim very 
well, instead deferring all praise and thanks to the Almighty. He is a 
shining beacon of his faith, family, community, and State.
  Carmine's expertise has been sought-after by Senators, Congressmen, 
Governors, budding community leaders, and his friends and family. He 
has never been one to shy away from a friendly debate with those who 
have opposing views. Carmine has the greatest respect for all 
opinions--people from all walks of life. He is first and foremost an 
outstanding person, a gentleman in the old sense, and a true broker of 
compromise in a world so in need of that leadership and trust.
  Carmine, despite that we aren't able to have a birthday party in your 
honor this year, I know this will still be a memorable occasion for you 
to reflect on your many accomplishments and experiences, while you 
enjoy the well wishes from your loved ones. You have provided so much 
happiness and wisdom to the lives of those around you, myself included. 
It is my wish that the memory of this special day remains with you just 
as your guidance and influence will remain in all the lives you have 
touched. I know that Florence, a true angel, is smiling down on you. 
Gayle and I are thinking fondly about you on this special day, and we 
sincerely appreciate your many years of loyal friendship.

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