[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 199 (Tuesday, November 16, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H6272-H6273]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MAX CLELAND

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Carter) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to remember and honor the life of former Georgia Secretary of State and 
United States Senator Max Cleland. Max was a

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political giant in Georgia, dedicating his life to the service of 
others.
  A disabled war veteran of the Vietnam era, Max worked tirelessly to 
improve the Veterans Administration to help his fellow soldiers. 
Committed to helping others, Max made it his mission to help our 
veterans most in need and suffering from mental and physical disorders. 
As a pharmacist, I am able to personally appreciate his work to make 
lifesaving medicines more easily available.
  His dedication and service to his community and country will not go 
unnoticed. I am thankful for Max's lifetime of dedicated service, and I 
know his legacy will live on forever.
  My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who 
knew him during this most difficult time.


                    Oglethorpe Speedway Park Closing

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect upon the 
closing of the great Oglethorpe Speedway Park in Pooler, Georgia.
  The Oglethorpe Speedway Park opened in March of 1951 and has hosted 
some of the most exciting weekends for race fans ever since. Sadly, 
Oglethorpe Speedway Park will be closing its operations for good.
  This speedway has become a home for its employees and fans alike such 
as Darlene Nerich, who has worked each season and every weekend since 
April 1, 2000. Darlene's daughter took her senior prom pictures and had 
her wedding at the track so that her mother could continue her streak. 
Geraldine Jenkins has been attending races since 1951 when she was 14 
and has hardly missed a race.
  Georgians are collectively mourning the loss of this beloved landmark 
and the memories it holds. We are sad to see it go, but we are excited 
for what may come next.


              Remembering Monsignor William Oliver O'Neill

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart 
to remember and honor the life of the Reverend Monsignor William Oliver 
O'Neill of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah.
  Reverend O'Neill served the people of Savannah for 46 years until his 
retirement in 2013. He served six churches in his time in Savannah and 
spent much of his time preserving the history of the church in the 
city.
  Reverend O'Neill oversaw and managed the $11 million restoration of 
the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah that was 
completed in 2000. In 2003, Reverend O'Neill successfully stopped an 
armed arsonist from damaging the church by telling him: Don't point 
that gun at me. I will knock your head off.
  He removed smoldering cushions from the bishop's chair and a burning 
Bible from the pulpit as the arsonist looked on. Reverend O'Neill 
returned, intent on fighting the fire with a fire extinguisher before 
police stopped him and firefighters arrived.
  He was the image of service to others and love for God. My thoughts 
and prayers are with his friends and family through this difficult 
time.


         Celebrating Willie Mae Hubbard-Wright's 103rd Birthday

  Mr. CARTER of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
103rd birthday of Willie Mae Hubbard-Wright of Liberty County.
  Born on November 4, 1918, 7 days before the unofficial end of World 
War I, Willie Mae has been a staple in her community for many years.

  During her childhood, she was a proud member of Ebenezer Presbyterian 
Church in Freedmen's Grove.
  She attended grammar school at Dorchester Academy and graduated in 
1936. After grammar school, Willie Mae became a boarder in Dorchester, 
where she learned to sew, a talent that would stay with her many years 
after her time as a boarder.
  The living embodiment of motherly love, Willie Mae sewed clothes for 
her family and friends, making full use of the talent God had given 
her. We treasure Willie Mae and are happy to celebrate this momentous 
occasion.
  Happy birthday, Willie Mae, 103 years young.

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