[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 31949-31950]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 70TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF JAMES H. AND ELIZABETH 
                              GARBUTT SHAW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ALLEN BOYD

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2009

  Mr. BOYD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 70th wedding 
anniversary of two American patriots residing in my District. Their 
deep dedication to this country founded in the commitment to each other 
is a testament to the strong values that have made this country and its 
people the model for the world to emulate.
  James Henry Shaw married Elizabeth Garbutt on December 14, 1939 in 
Valdosta, GA. James is a former U.S. Marine who stormed the beaches of 
Yellow Beach with the First Marine Division on April 1, 1945 and fought 
long and hard in the entire 82-day campaign that saw over 50,000 
American casualties including over 12,000 dead or missing. James was 
one of those casualties sustaining shrapnel wounds in his side earning 
him the Purple Heart. Once the island was secure, James and his fellow 
Marines began training exercises preparing to invade the main Islands 
of Japan on their push to Tokyo until the Japanese surrendered on 
August 15, 1945. He

[[Page 31950]]

was then part of the occupying U.S. forces in China before returning 
home in 1946. Elizabeth remained back on the home front contributing to 
the vital efforts supporting our troops abroad. She raised two children 
and is now the proud matriarch of a family that has grown into 6 
grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Her son was a career Air 
Force enlisted man with his children all serving proudly in the officer 
and enlisted ranks of the United States Air Force. Her daughter had two 
sons that attended the United States Naval Academy and are currently 
active duty officers in the United States Navy. Besides being a father 
and grandfather, James has been a career railroad freight man moving to 
trucking freight later in his life and retiring. James and Elizabeth 
are now in their 9th decade, still living unassisted, and until 
recently, served tirelessly and unselfishly as volunteers at their 
local polling precinct assisting others to vote.
  This achievement allows for reflection on what it means to remain in 
a committed and loving relationship dedicated to the values and ideals 
that help shape and foster the citizens of this great country. On 
behalf of my colleagues, and myself, I extend to James and Elizabeth 
Shaw my gratitude, deep appreciation, and continued health for many 
more years to come. Thank you both for your service and commitment to 
our country.

                          ____________________