[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 14306-14307]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         COMMENDATION FOR THE CREW OF THE USS ``WEST VIRGINIA''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 18, 2012

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, since this nation's earliest beginnings, 
America's navel defense has played an integral, essential role in the 
survival, sustenance and ultimate prosperity of this country.
  From our French ally's blockade during the Battle at Yorktown to our 
unparalleled command of the seven seas today to maintain peace abroad 
and here at home, the men and women of the United States Navy continue 
to serve and defend in a long and proud tradition.
  Perhaps no greater service in size and scope has been witnessed in 
our nation's remarkable naval history than that of our Pacific Fleet in 
World War II. The Pacific theater of war on the high seas and islands 
called for extraordinary men and women of the highest caliber and 
perseverance.
  Today, it is my great privilege and honor to recognize the crew of 
one ship in the Pacific Fleet, which made an immortal mark in naval 
history and the preservation of liberty. The crew members of the USS 
West Virginia will gather one more time, perhaps for the last time, in 
my State of West Virginia at the end of September this year. West 
Virginians welcome these sons of our namesake ship.
  Since at least 1955, they have met in reunion, to warm old 
friendships and forge new ones. They bring their wives and enjoy venues 
around the country, though we know the upcoming West Virginia reunion 
will hold a particularly warm place in their hearts. They revel in the 
``Wee Vee's'' history and those who served aboard her. They enjoy 
swapping stories still fresh in their now well-seasoned memories.
  But beyond the camaraderie, the chance to flesh out new histories of 
their venerable voyages and ensuing battles, and the opportunity to 
trip the light fantastic once more with an inviting dinner dance, there 
is an ancient noble cause these brave American souls continue to answer 
with humility, dignity and honor.
  They continue their commitment to serve our nation by recording and 
sharing their legacy aboard the USS West Virginia on their website and 
in their newsletters, thus illuminating lessons for ensuing generations 
who can certainly benefit from them tremendously. Through the decades, 
what has become a labor of love for their membership is, in truth,

[[Page 14307]]

the life blood of our Republic for the rest of us. If only we will 
listen and learn.
  I ask my colleagues and countrymen to visit their web page at 
www.usswestvirginia.org to witness the first-hand accounts of the life 
aboard the West Virginia--the guts and glory, the courage and valor of 
battles exhibited by those who served aboard this ship. A ship that was 
resurrected from the depths of Pearl Harbor to serve in the battles at 
Midway, Leyte Gulf, Surigao Straits, Mindoro Island, Lingayen Gulf, Iwo 
Jima, and Okinawa.
  Today, as a nation, we commend these distinguished seamen, these 
dedicated sailors for their service and their sacrifice and that of 
their fallen brothers in battle and over the decades. Let their 
experiences guide our purpose and path as we face the future.
  Mr. Speaker, where would this nation be without such men as these? We 
humbly thank the Almighty for sharing them with us.
  I am happy to report that on September 30th, the USS West Virginia 
reunion will travel to my hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, to 
witness a true wonder of American Naval history. They will tour the 
Raleigh County Veterans Museum and inspect a magnificent, half-ton 
scale model of the USS West Virginia.
  The replica's master designer, architect and builder is none other 
than our own, Jim Toler, who has dedicated seventeen years of his time 
and talent to complete this unique homage to a ship and its sailors. 
Jim's outstanding service and dedication in preserving our veterans' 
heritage stand as a sterling monument in its own right. We are truly 
blessed by his many good works on behalf of so many others.
  Mr. Speaker, I close with lyrics adopted for the Naval Hymn. They 
reflect the prayers of a grateful nation for those of our greatest 
generation, who once and forever more serve a ship named, the West 
Virginia:

     ``O Father, King of earth and sea,
     We dedicate this ship to thee.
     In faith we send her on her way;
     In faith to thee we humbly pray:
     O hear from heaven our sailor's cry
     And watch and guard her from on high!

     ``And when at length her course is run,
     Her work for home and country done,
     Of all the souls that in her sailed
     Let not one life in thee have failed;
     But hear from heaven our sailor's cry,
     And grant eternal life on high!''

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