[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E611]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      RECOGNIZING MR. EMILIO LENA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN JAMES

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2024

  Mr. JAMES. Mr. Speaker, while we often recognize noteworthy and 
acclaimed personalities, we have many other great unsung heroes and 
amazing souls who do a ton of heavy lifting with little to no 
recognition. Yet, if truth be told, they serve as the glue, sturdiness, 
strength, and all that is good about America. They go about their jobs 
quietly, without having the expectation of recognition. In fact, they 
do what they do because it's God's work. It's the right thing to do.
  I am privileged to be in a position where I can acknowledge one such 
unsung hero, and his service to our country during the Korean War, Mr. 
Emilio Lena. Mr. Lena was born in Cassino, Italy on September 10, 1925. 
He immigrated to the United States on February 1, 1947, not knowing any 
English but wanting a better life for himself in pursuit of the 
``American Dream.''
  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on October 23, 1952, to serve his new, 
beloved country and was trained as an artilleryman. He learned to read 
and write English in the Army and obtained his U.S. citizenship. He was 
honorably discharged as a Private First Class on October 4, 1954. While 
in service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Army 
of Occupation Medal. He cherished his time in the military and was a 
proud veteran his entire life.
  He settled back in the greater Detroit area upon his return from 
service where he married the love of his life, Elena, and raised five 
children. He never returned to Italy due to his allegiance to his U.S. 
citizenship.
  We thank him for his service and contribution to his country.

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