[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 174 (Tuesday, October 21, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E981]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING JOHN HOLGER LYNGSO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KEVIN MULLIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 2025

  Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Mr. John 
Holger Lyngso, a remarkable 97-year-old World War II veteran, lifelong 
entrepreneur, and beloved member of the San Mateo County community. 
Born on April 18, 1928, in San Francisco, California, to Alfred Holger 
Lyngso and Edith Schack, John's story is a testament to the ideals upon 
which our Nation was built: service, perseverance, and aspirations. His 
parents immigrated from Denmark in the early 1920's, and their maritime 
heritage instilled in John a lifelong love of the ocean nurtured by 
family stories and, as he proudly put it, ``Viking blood.''
  At just sixteen, driven by a sense of duty and adventure, John 
enlisted in the United States Merchant Marine on December 22, 1944, 
serving as an oiler aboard the U.S. Army tug LT-518. Often referred to 
as the ``fourth arm of defense'' during World War II, the Merchant 
Marine played a critical role in transporting troops, equipment, and 
supplies across dangerous waters, ensuring the success of Allied 
operations. From the final days of the war through its aftermath, John 
contributed to the vital maritime efforts that sustained American 
forces and supported victory around the globe.
  Following his service, John continued to embody the values of hard 
work and perseverance. On August 28, 1950, he married Mary Eva Morris 
in San Francisco, beginning a marriage and family legacy that would 
span generations. Together, they built what would become a cornerstone 
of our local community, Lyngso Garden Materials. Initially, John did 
grading, including work on Highway 101. The business grew by accident, 
when John discovered that there was a market for different types of 
gravel. Everyone who saw the gravel wanted some, and a business was 
born. He would later name the stone mixes after his daughters. What 
began as a modest backhoe and hauling service grew into Redwood City's 
first landscape materials business, a thriving enterprise that remains 
to this day. John's entrepreneurial journey embodies the American 
dream: identifying a need, serving his community, and building lasting 
success from humble beginnings.
  Rooted in his maritime heritage, he captained boats well into his 
80's, including a memorable 2012 voyage from Ensenada, Mexico to San 
Francisco, California, to bring home his final vessel, an N37 trawler 
named Lena. The 550-mile trip took nine days steaming up the California 
coast, stopping first at San Diego to clear into the country, at Morro 
Bay for a rest, and at Monterey for repairs before finally passing 
under the Golden Gate Bridge. Throughout the journey, John displayed 
his ability and agility in the engine room, kept his appetite despite 
rough seas, and entertained his companions with his humor.
  Today, John Lyngso is the proud patriarch of a large and loving 
family, including three daughters, five grandchildren, nine great-
grandchildren, with one on the way, and two great-great-grandchildren. 
His legacy is one of faith, dedication, and boundless curiosity. Now at 
97 years young, he remains committed to reaching his next goal of 
celebrating his 100th birthday, a milestone that, given his strength 
and determination, he is sure to reach.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing John 
Holger Lyngso for a lifetime of devoted service and unwavering purpose. 
His service during World War II, his entrepreneurial contributions to 
the San Francisco Bay Area, and devotion to family, hard work, and 
community are appreciated and admired.

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