[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15765]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                           MR. ANTHONY XUEREB

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. LEE M. ZELDIN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2016

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay a special tribute to Mr. 
Anthony Xuereb.
  Anthony was born in Malta, and he had always yearned to come to the 
United States to make a better life for himself. He came to this 
country in 1934 during the Great Depression and struggled mightily to 
survive the terrible economic and social conditions of the time. He 
sought employment in the Brooklyn Navy Yard and had the pleasure to 
work on the USS Missouri. As he continued working and living in the 
United States, Anthony applied for U.S. citizenship and became a 
naturalized citizen in 1943.
  During World War II, he applied for military service, but 
unfortunately he lost most of his hearing in his left ear due to a 
diving accident he suffered from, and was unable to serve. Anthony 
still wanted to contribute to the country in whatever way possible, so 
he volunteered for civilian duty as an Air Raid Warden and served in 
this position until the end of the war. Air Raid Wardens were vital in 
ensuring the safety of everyone in the neighborhood and he did not take 
his role lightly. He returned to Malta in 1948, met the love of his 
life, and returned to the United States to start their new life 
together.
  Anthony's exemplary life of service was motivated and fueled by his 
love of God, family, and country. He was a humble man who lived on a 
modest income and was very proud of his service as an Air Raid Warden. 
The service these dedicated civilians provided was vital in keeping 
civilians safe. It is important we acknowledge people like Anthony, who 
dedicated their services to a nation in need during a time of war. In 
honor and memory of Anthony Xuereb and all who served, and continue to 
serve, our great nation, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize his devotion to our country.

                          ____________________