[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E969]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                CELEBRATING HENRY PELAK'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. HILLARY J. SCHOLTEN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 25, 2024

  Ms. SCHOLTEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate and honor my 
constituent, Mr. Henry Pelak, who turned 100 years old on July 24th of 
this year. Mr. Pelak has dedicated his life to our country, his family, 
and Michiganders.
  Pelak was born in the summer of 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After 
high school, he proudly served our country in the United States Navy. 
Once he completed his training with amphibious naval vessels in 
Virginia and Florida, Pelak was assigned to be a motor machinist on a 
naval landing craft and deployed to Europe.
  During World War II, Pelak was stationed in England to prepare for 
the Normandy Invasion. On June 6, 1944, he was on one of the first 
boats to hit Omaha Beach on D-Day in Nazi-occupied France. His bravery 
contributed to the successful deployment of troops during the first 
wave of the Allied Invasion, where he landed military and naval combat 
demolition units to clear the way for incoming infantry. After the 
invasion, Pelak was reassigned to a unit in Bremerhaven, Germany, and 
reenlisted for two more years.
  I am so proud to honor Henry Pelak, not only for reaching this 
incredible milestone, but also for his unwavering service to our 
Nation. His life stands as a shining example of true courage, 
resilience, and patriotism.
  As we celebrate Mr. Pelak's 100th birthday, I want to express my 
deepest gratitude for his tremendous service to West Michigan and the 
United States. May he have a happy, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead.

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