[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 172 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1058]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF ELSA FORTH

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Elsa 
Forth of Taylor, Michigan on her 100th birthday. Her life of courage 
and strength is worthy of recognition.
  Mrs. Forth was born in the city of Belluno, Italy on October 1, 1921, 
the second of twins, to Andreas and Maria Da Rin. She spent summers in 
the village of Laggio di Cadore with her sister Antonietta and brother 
Alvio. She was educated at the Vatican at the sponsorship of Father 
Albino Luciani--later Pope John Paul I. Her hometown became a 
battlefield during World War II and Mrs. Forth played a major role in 
the operations of the Partisans who fought alongside the allied forces 
against the fascist Mussolini and Nazi Germany. Her actions branded her 
a hero to those who know her legacy in Belluno. She left her home after 
being proposed to by a man with American citizenship and moved to 
Melvindale, Michigan.
  After taking time to learn to speak English, she started working as a 
waitress at The Venetian Inn in downriver. In good company with the 
Italian family who owned the bar, they called her their ``Italian 
Hero.'' She was quick to make friends and was well beloved in her new 
home. Tragically, she came home one night to a drunken, jealous husband 
and came face to face with a shotgun. She managed to escape down the 
stairs of their small apartment but was hit in her face and upper 
chest. She escaped bullets in Italy only to fall victim to gunshots in 
America.
  Luckily, Mrs. Forth was able to get an experimental plastic surgery 
and was able to heal quickly. Soon after, she met Raymond Forth and 
they wed. Together they have one son, Tony ``Tone''. She was able to 
find work in a technical industrial role where she remained until her 
retirement at age 70. When Tony joined the Marines, Mr. and Mrs. Forth 
moved to a home in Taylor, Michigan. Today, they live together in the 
renovate family home, along with Tony's wife, Antonette. Mr. Raymond 
Forth passed away in 1983 Tony struggles to keep up with his mother who 
remains full of life, even at age 100.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating 
Mrs. Elsa Forth on her 100th birthday. Her story is one that inspires 
all who hear it. I join with her family and friends in extending my 
best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor 
her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our 
community here at home and abroad.

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