[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 13 (Thursday, January 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E52-E53]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING ANNA MAE JONES, A DEDICATED PATRIOT

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 20, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the remarkable life of Anna Mae Jones, a military veteran, teacher, 
dedicated community leader, and devoted wife and mother. Anna Mae led a 
long, exemplary life committed to service for her community and 
country. Her sacrifice and dedication to our American values made Anna 
Mae the truest embodiment of a patriot. Anna Mae was born in Saratoga 
Springs, New York on September 6, 1916. Raised in Tonawanda, she 
attended D'Youville College, earning her teaching degree in 1938.
  When the United States entered World War II, Anna Mae put her 
teaching career aside to enlist in the war. She strongly believed it 
was her civic duty, and a true honor, to be able to serve her country. 
Anna Mae joined the Women's Army Auxiliary and served in New Guinea 
from 1943 to 1945. Specializing as the chief clerk to the Provost 
Marshal, Anna Mae was able to utilize her organizational skills as a 
teacher to help the war effort. Her commendable service record is 
evident through the numerous awards, medals, and honors Anna Mae was 
given. As a Second Lieutenant, Anna Mae was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific 
Campaign Medal, Women's Army Corps Service Medal, and two Overseas 
Service Bars.
  It was during her time serving that Anna Mae met the love of her 
life, Lieutenant John Joseph Jones II. The two were wed in 1946 at St. 
Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Tonawanda. Anna Mae and John began 
their wonderful life together in dutiful service to our nation, 
assigned to bases in the United States and Europe. Together, they 
raised three beautiful children.
  Anna Mae and her family returned to settle in Tonawanda in 1955. Anna 
Mae began her work as a special-education teacher at Central School in 
Tonawanda. Anna Mae dedicated her career to enhancing the learning 
experience for her students, ensuring they got the upmost out of their 
education. She frequently took her students on camping trips to teach 
them about nature and even started a summer school program for students 
in the special education department. Anna Mae was a true pioneer in the 
special education field, and the students of Tonawanda are forever 
grateful for her and her work.
  After her retirement in 1981, Anna Mae's devotion to service remained 
steadfast, further immersing herself into the community and civic 
organizations around her. She sought to make a lasting, meaningful 
impact in the community she cared so deeply for, and so she did. Anna 
Mae was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, the Ladies of 
Charity, the Women's Army Corps, and the Tonawanda Women's Democratic 
Club. Additionally, she served as Chaplain of the American Legion Post 
No. 264 in Tonawanda for 27 years, earning the Legion of Honor Award. 
Furthermore, Anna Mae was an active member in the Legislative Branch of 
the AARP, served as a board member of the Waterfront Revitalization 
Committee, and was an active member of the Historical Society of the 
Tonawandas for 50 years. Three years prior to her passing at the age of 
103, Anna Mae was honored at the Buffalo Veterans Affairs Medical 
Center.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Anna Mae and her 
exemplary work in serving our country. We cannot afford to forget the 
powerful example citizens like Ms. Jones set for us. Let the memory of 
her lifelong service to something larger than herself summon our better 
angels to do our part as well.

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