Honoring The Surviving World War Ii Veterans Of Occoquan, VA

Floor Speech

* Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor to the World War II veterans who currently reside in Occoquan, Virginia. Their service and sacrifice represent the height of American character; something to be honored and never forgotten.

* In December of 1941, the United States entered a war that had already engulfed much of the rest of the world. Throughout the course of World War II, 16,000,000 Americans answered the call of duty and served in the armed forces. The support of the nation's war effort ended in the ultimate sacrifice for more than 300,000 of these brave Americans. They were sons, daughters, fathers and mothers putting the defense of their nation above all else.

* The town of Occoquan is recognizing their service by honoring the surviving World War II veterans currently residing in Occoquan. So often our veterans return home and take up leadership roles in their communities. This group, which includes former Occoquan mayors, town council members and planning commissioners, is no exception. These individuals are a living testament to the strength and enduring nature of America's citizenry. Occoquan's surviving World War II veterans:

* Mr. Richard H. Bell, United States Army

* Mr. Edwin S. Clarke, United States Navy

* Mr. Robert Lehto, United States Navy

* Mr. Frank McKenzie, United States Navy

* Mr. James F. Phelps, United States Marine Corps

* Ms. June Randolph, United States Navy

* Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the World War II veterans of Occoquan, Virginia. We recognize their contribution to honor the importance of their experience to the American story. To forget their sacrifice and the immeasurable cost of war is to do peace a disservice and bind ourselves to indefinite conflict.

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