[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 53 (Thursday, March 24, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E295]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF BERNICE FERNANDES

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                   HON. AUMUA AMATA COLEMAN RADEWAGEN

                           of american samoa

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 24, 2022

  Mrs. RADEWAGEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to wish a very happy birthday 
to Bernice Jerves Fernandes, upon turning 100 years of age on March 25, 
2022. She was born on the island of Kauai before Hawaii was admitted to 
the Union. She has made a wonderful difference in many lives, including 
serving as a teacher for 26 years at Holy Cross parish school, and 
hosting many foster children. Yet she has made time to also become a 
successful businesswoman and farm owner. Her late husband, Frank 
Fernandes, served the cause of freedom in World War II. Bernice is a 
longtime friend, and her daughter Bernadine has been my close friend 
since childhood. Bernice has five grandchildren and 18 great 
grandchildren.
  I want to congratulate Bernice on this milestone and assure her of my 
love and appreciation. Her 100th birthday deserves our honor and 
acclaim, as it represents a wise lifetime of being a joy to those of us 
who know her and making the world a better place. The Scripture places 
great blessing upon a long life that is ``full of days,'' and 
emphasizes deep respect to age as a ``crown of glory.'' I trust Bernice 
feels the special affection from her many loved ones, and 
congratulations all to her family and friends as they celebrate Bernice 
where she lives in Hawaii. I thank Bernice and Soifua.

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