[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING BILLY KEYES

  (Ms. ELFRETH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ELFRETH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Billy Keyes, a friend 
and a beloved Annapolitan, who we lost last week at the age of 104.
  Mr. Keyes was a World War II veteran, police officer, public school 
teacher, artist, proud Alpha man, husband, father, and devoted 
community member. Everyone fortunate enough to know Mr. Keyes knew him 
for his wisdom, his compassion, and his unbridled wit.
  He served in the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all-African-American 
unit to enter combat during WWII. He then shared his experience with 
the next generation as a teacher for over three decades in the Anne 
Arundel County Public Schools. He retired only 5 years ago at the young 
age of 99.
  Mr. Keyes was an example of how to live well and how to live 
generously. When I visited him to mark his 100th birthday, he requested 
that I bring vanilla ice cream and Maryland-distilled whiskey.
  He made sure that I let people know that, while he was a lifelong 
registered Republican, he appreciated sharing his wisdom with service-
minded Democrats.
  He accomplished more during his lifetime than many of us can dare to 
imagine, not taking a single moment for granted. He touched so many 
lives through his dedicated service to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, he leaves behind a historic legacy here. I will forever 
be inspired and grateful for having known him.

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