[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                         FATHER EDWARD FLAHERTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 15, 2021

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 
Reverend Edward Flaherty, Veteran of the United States Army, for his 
service to our country.
  Father Flaherty served in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945, serving 
two years, eleven months, and two days throughout the Pacific theater 
of World War II, including time in New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, 
and Papua New Guinea. While serving in the Army, Father Flaherty was a 
Medical Technician with the 131st Engineer Regiment Medical Detachment, 
in which he played an essential role in treating his fellow soldiers' 
wounds and injuries while also assisting with evacuations for 
casualties.
  During his time in the Army, Father Flaherty earned the American 
Defense Service Ribbon, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Philippine 
Liberation Ribbon with one star but he was never awarded the physical 
medals. After inquiring on his behalf, our office discovered additional 
medals he earned but never received.
  After his discharge from the U.S. Army, Father Flaherty returned to 
his hometown of Kansas City and worked for Folger's as a bookkeeper and 
accountant. He formally entered the Jesuit order in 1959 at 40 years of 
age and was ordained as a priest in 1965. He then moved to Colorado in 
1967 and taught at Regis University. He became a staple in the Colorado 
Jesuit community for the next several decades, most recently pastoring 
at the Shrine of St. Anne Parish in Arvada, Colo.
  Father Flaherty's courageous service helped to defend our nation's 
democracy and ideals abroad at a crucial moment in world history. His 
heroism has charted the path for future generations of men and women 
who serve in the military. We are proud to have Father Flaherty call 
Colorado home for so many years, and forever indebted to him for his 
bravery and sacrifice on behalf of our country.
  I extend my deepest appreciation to Father Flaherty for his 
dedication, integrity and outstanding service to the United States of 
America.

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