[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H4482]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JUDGE JERRY RELLIHAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Missouri (Mr. Alford) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the 
life and service of Judge Jerry Rellihan, who passed away last month 
from a heart attack.
  Jerry's career in law began as a prosecutor in Kansas City, Missouri. 
He later founded The Law Firm of Jerry Rellihan, P.C., serving the 
Kansas City metro area for many years. In 2015, he was elected as 
associate circuit judge for St. Clair County, based in Osceola, 
Missouri, in the Fourth Congressional District, where he served with 
fairness, compassion, and integrity.
  Judge Rellihan's contributions to our community extended far beyond 
the courtroom, though. He was a mentor, leader, and friend to many. His 
wisdom and kindness touched the lives of countless individuals, and his 
legacy will continue to inspire us all.
  Today, we remember Judge Rellihan not only for his professional 
accomplishments but also for his humanity and the positive impact he 
had on everyone he met.
  Our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn 
this great loss.


           Celebrating Carla and Ben Ford's 60th Anniversary

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 60 years of 
marriage between Carla and Ben Ford. Carla and Ben are Missouri 
District Four constituents living in Johnson County who met on a blind 
date at the stockyards.
  They are not only strong in their marriage but also in the family 
they have created and in upholding their American values. Their 60 
years together have brought many things to be thankful for, the most 
important being their two children, three grandchildren, and three 
great-grandchildren.
  What started out as a blind date turned into six decades of love and 
the beginnings of future family lines. They say that trust, 
communication, and laughter have kept them together all these years.
  I congratulate this Missouri District Four couple on the lovely 
marriage they have had and built. We wish Ben and Carla many, many more 
happy years.


             Congratulating Megan Walker and Aly Prentzler

  Mr. ALFORD. Mr. Speaker, we have started a contest much like the art 
contest where you can see the art displayed in the gallery just down 
the hallway here, but we started a speech contest. We wanted to rebuild 
patriotism in America, and we are starting with school-age children in 
the Fourth Congressional District. The topic: What does America mean to 
you?
  We have two more winners today, Mr. Speaker, of this contest.
  I begin with Megan Walker from Buffalo High School, Buffalo, 
Missouri, Dallas County. She says: ``America to me is a place where I 
can choose who I want to be and am given the opportunities and 
resources to do it. America is my home, where I can feel safe 
expressing who I am no matter what I believe. I am given every chance 
possible to achieve my goals and build relationships with people that I 
choose. Americans are encouraged to be creative individuals by our 
country's leaders. I am able to feel safe and protected by my country 
and the people in it. We are allowed freedoms that many others are not, 
and I will forever be grateful for America.''
  Our next speech contest winner is Aly Prentzler from Glasgow High 
School in Glasgow, Missouri, Howard County. ``America to me means 
freedom, freedom that has been fought for by brave men and women who 
serve in the military. It means even more to me since I have family 
members who have been part of the military. My papa served in the Army 
to make sure I have the right to make my own choices. My oldest brother 
is currently serving to make sure I continue to have this right. I am 
proud of this freedom and those who have fought for this right.''

  Mr. Speaker, I thank these students for being a shining example and a 
light in the classroom, sharing what America means to them.

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