[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15020]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            A TRIBUTE TO MR. AND MRS. TONY AND MARY CARDOSO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 16, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th birthdays 
and 60th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Tony and Mary Cardoso. The 
life that Tony and Mary have built together over the past sixty years 
is an inspiration to all of us. Their story is reflective of the 
American Dream, working hard to create better lives for themselves and 
their children.
  Anthony Bernard Cardoso was born in Lemoore, California, on October 
16, 1922. When Tony was 20 years old, he enlisted in the United States 
Marine Corps during the height of World War II. He proudly served our 
country for six years, spending time overseas on the Marshall Islands 
and Hawaiian Islands as an aviation mechanic. Tony was honorably 
discharged from the Marines in 1948 as a Staff Sergeant. Upon his 
return home, he went into the dairy business with his brothers.
  Mary Dorothy Couto was born in Kerman, California, on October 18, 
1922. In the 7th grade, Mary was pulled out of school, so she could 
contribute all of her time and energy into the family farm. In 1944, 
Mary bravely joined the Navy where she served our country for two 
years. In 1946 she returned home; a few years later, she met Tony at a 
local dairy.
  Tony and Mary were married on October 18, 1952. In the early years of 
their marriage, Tony and Mary owned a dairy farm. The farm was sold in 
1959, and they opened a liquor store in Biola, California. Over the 
years, they experienced great success and had the opportunity to expand 
their store, which was aptly named the Biola Variety Liquor Store. Tony 
and Mary were proud owners of the store for over 20 years. They worked 
long hours and were open seven days a week.
  In the past six decades they owned and operated three businesses, 
raised their children, Antoinette and Charles, remained active in the 
community, and have acted as loving and caring grandparents and great 
grandparents. Clearly, their marriage not only reflects a partnership 
filled with deep affection and love, but also one that enjoys the 
intelligence of two business savvy people.
  Tony joined the Biola Chamber of Commerce in 1959, and was a past 
president in 1963. He was a past commander of the Biola VFW Post. Tony 
is extremely proud of a veterans' memorial that was put up near an 
elementary school in Biola. He believes it is a perfect location 
because children can walk by and better understand the sacrifices men 
and women make to serve our country. Tony is also a member of the Biola 
American Legion Post and the Kerman American Legion Post. He has 
proudly served as Grand Marshal at the Biola Raisin Day Parade.
  The Cardosos retired in 1979. They stay busy by working in their 
vegetable garden, being involved in the community, and spending time 
with family. Having a cohesive and close-knit family is very important 
to Tony and Mary. As a grandmother, Mary made it a point to bring all 
of her grandchildren together whenever possible, so all the cousins 
would have close relationships. Mary and Tony truly understand what is 
important in life. On a personal note, Mary and Tony have served as 
exceptional role models for me--their nephew. Their work ethic and 
commitment to service allowed me to witness first-hand the best of what 
our nation has to offer and encouraged me to do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me congratulating Mr. and 
Mrs. Tony and Mary Cardoso for their 60 years of commitment to one 
another and for their long lives that exemplify the genuine meaning of 
hard work and dedication.

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