[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23651]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF CHARLES J. ``CHARLIE'' VIZZINI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN P. MURTHA

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 6, 2009

  Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American, 
Charles J. ``Charlie'' Vizzini. He was born in Colver, Pennsylvania on 
March 8, 1924 to John and Lillian Vizzini. He passed away on August 11 
of this year.
  Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to God, his country, and to 
his fellow man. In particular, he focused on remembering and helping 
his fellow veterans. His commitment stemmed from an incident during 
World War II when, as a young Army private stationed in France, Vizzini 
was wounded. He was struck in the chest by bullets from a German 
automatic pistol. An Army doctor was quoted in a 1944 article as saying 
that even though Vizzini sustained tremendous injuries, his life was 
saved because the bullets hit a New Testament in one of his breast 
pockets and a Catholic missal in the other. In a 1998 interview, 
Vizzini said, ``I believe it is a miracle from the Lord that I am here 
today. That is the biggest reason I do the things I do to help 
veterans.'' While recovering from his injuries, he stayed in a European 
hospital for almost a year before returning to Colver. For his 
courageous efforts serving his country, he received two Purple Hearts 
and the Bronze Star.
  After returning to Cambria County, Vizzini married the former 
Glendora Waterhouse, his loving wife of 60 years. He worked in 
Pennsylvania's Ebensburg Center and served as commander of Ebensburg 
Post 4963, Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also served on the Pennsylvania 
Democratic Committee and was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church in 
Ebensburg.
  Madam Speaker, Vizzini was particularly active in honoring veterans. 
He would organize annual Veterans Day memorial services to honor 
veterans. He would also hold services on the anniversary of the bombing 
of Pearl Harbor and to honor the memory of fellow Cambria County native 
Marine Sgt. Michael Strank who helped to raise the flag at Iwo Jima.
  Vizzini was often the voice for those who did not have one. He was 
known for rallying at the Cambria County Courthouse for causes that he 
felt passionately about. To honor the 63 miners who died at the 1940 
Sonman Mines explosion in Portage, Pennsylvania, he organized a 
memorial service. He also was influential in honoring the 112 who lost 
their lives in the Cambria Steel Company's 1902 Rolling Mine Mill 
explosion in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
  Madam Speaker, I wish to conclude my remarks by saying that Charlie 
Vizzini will be remembered as a great American. He was a war hero who 
continued to serve his country by honoring his fellow veterans 
throughout his life. His selfless service to others in all walks of 
life will not be forgotten. Madam Speaker, Charlie Vizzini will truly 
be missed.

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