[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Pages 21145-21146]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING VIRGINIA GABRIEL

 Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to 
Virginia Gabriel of Clarks Summit, PA, who passed away on September 26, 
2011, at the age of 93. To those who knew and

[[Page 21146]]

loved her, she will forever remain an inspiration, a motivator, and a 
role model.
  It is no coincidence that Virginia was born into what has been called 
the greatest generation. Like so many others of her generation, she and 
her husband Steven responded when the country called on them during a 
time of great need. Their commitment to the Nation was visible on the 
day of their wedding. As they exchanged their vows on the altar, 
Steven's Navy unit waited outside for the ceremony to end, at which 
point he joined them and together they departed for their assignment, 
which ultimately took them to the Pacific theater. Like Steven, 
Virginia also engendered a sense of social responsibility towards our 
Nation. Remaining stateside during World War II, Virginia did what she 
could to help in the war effort. This commitment to help our Nation 
took her to Bridgeport, CT, where she secretly worked at the Singer 
sewing machine factory throughout the war manufacturing bomber sights 
for American aircraft.
  Beyond Virginia's devotion to our country in its time of need, she 
will always be remembered for her abiding commitment to her family and 
by those who profited from her presence. She made life better for 
everyone around her by lifting their spirits through her kindness, 
generosity, laughter, and memorable smile. Her love of family and their 
awareness of that love was an incalculable source of strength which 
propelled them forward every day. Evoking the same sentiment that 
Senator Edward Kennedy had for his brother Robert, Virginia provided 
strength in time of trouble, wisdom in time of uncertainty, and sharing 
in time of happiness. The manner in which Virginia lived her life, and 
expected her family to live theirs, leaves behind a legacy that ensures 
she will always be by their side.

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