[Page H1551]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     JOSEPH SOMMA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. VAN DREW asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. VAN DREW. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 100th 
birthday of Joseph Somma from North Cape May, south Jersey, on March 9.
  Joseph is a World War II combat veteran who served in the Coast Guard 
from 1942 to 1945. He was on the USS Charlottesville PF-25 in the 
Pacific theater. He was awarded numerous and prestigious service medals 
during his service.
  Joseph has stayed politically active his entire life and has voted in 
the last 18 Presidential elections. Every single day, Joseph proudly 
flies his American flag off of his deck.
  Joseph, you put the great in the Greatest Generation. You have lived 
a life of honor and distinction, and you and your family should be 
proud of all of the accomplishments in your amazing life.
  Some people look to actors, sports stars or--heaven forbid--
politicians as heroes. I look to folks like Joseph for inspiration as a 
true American hero.
  Thank you, and I hope your celebration with your family and friends 
brings you a tremendous amount of joy.

                          ____________________