[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING WWII VETERAN BOB RAMOS ON HIS 101ST BIRTHDAY

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                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 13, 2022

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob 
Ramos, a brave and dedicated World War II veteran aboard the USS 
Oklahoma City. As part of the U.S. Navy, Mr. Ramos was an active 
service member for two years, earning the American Campaign Medal, Navy 
Occupation Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal, Navy Occupation 
Service Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Pin, and Honorable Discharge 
Button.
  Born on August 23, 1921 to Spanish immigrants, Mr. Ramos grew up in 
Niagara Falls. He attended Trott Vocational School where he specialized 
and excelled in welding. Upon his graduation, Mr. Ramos found 
employment at a Buffalo shipyard, where he built landing crafts to 
support the war effort. While there, his superiors took note of his 
skills, leading Mr. Ramos to be scouted by Hooker Chemical to work on a 
secret project, which he later learned was a part of the Manhattan 
Project.
  Mr. Ramos worked for Hooker Chemical until he was drafted into the 
U.S. Navy in March 1944. Sent aboard the USS Oklahoma City, Bob 
achieved the rank of Fireman First Class working in the boiler room. He 
and his shipmates were among the first to witness the aftermath of the 
atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A few weeks later, Mr. Ramos 
was present at Tokyo Bay where the Japanese surrendered.
  Following the war, Mr. Ramos was rehired by Hooker. He continued to 
work on projects involving atomic energy and helped with the closure of 
the Three Mile Power Plant after its partial meltdown.
  Mr. Ramos met and fell in love with fellow Niagara Falls native, 
Margaret, whom he married prior to his service in the Navy. Margaret 
sadly passed in 2014 due to Alzheimer's disease, but Mr. Ramos fondly 
remembers the great times they had together and the care he provided 
her. Mr. Ramos is survived by his daughter, Cynthia, and his several 
grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, all of whom he keeps in close 
contact with.
  Now retired, Mr. Ramos spends his time baking and caring for his 
garden. He likes to show off his skills, frequently baking for his 
friends and family. For his niece's wedding, he offered to make over 
1,000 pizzelles, an Italian waffle cookie, for all the guests. Mr. 
Ramos was also appointed chairman of the Niagara Falls Senior Council 
at its formation. Currently, Mr. Ramos regularly volunteers at the John 
Duke Senior Center in Niagara falls.
  As one of approximately 240,000 World War II Veterans still alive 
today, we owe a great deal of gratitude to Mr. Ramos for all he has 
done to protect our country. Madam Speaker, we stand together today to 
celebrate Bob Ramos on his 101st birthday.

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