[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H3560-H3561]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING EDWARD EUGENE HOLMES, JULY VETERAN OF THE MONTH

  (Mr. Alford of Missouri was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. ALFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize our July Veteran 
of the Month, Edward Eugene Holmes. He was a proud Missourian and a 
resident of the Missouri Veterans Home, and I got a chance to meet him 
this past winter.
  He just left this Earth last month at the age of 99, and we want to 
take the time to honor his life and legacy today.
  Edward was born on April 7, 1926. He joined the U.S. Navy in June of 
1944,

[[Page H3561]]

just weeks after graduating from high school. He served as a gunner's 
mate in the Pacific during World War II and was later assigned to the 
USS Ault, part of the Seahorse Squadron, in preparation for the 
invasion of Japan.
  After the war ended, Edward remained on duty during the occupation 
until January of 1946. During his service, he traveled the world from 
Australia to Africa to Japan and back home through the Panama Canal.
  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Seaman 1st class.
  After the Navy, Edward built a long and successful career in the 
floral industry and was known for his love of fishing, golfing, 
hunting, and making breakfast for his grandchildren. He was the proud 
father of 3 sons, grandfather to 6, and great-grandfather to 13.
  Madam Speaker, Edward Holmes served his country faithfully with 
honor, humility, and always heart. It is my privilege to recognize him 
posthumously as our July Veteran of the Month.

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