March 2, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 41 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Page H1434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WISHING DAVID PEREZ A HAPPY 100TH BIRTHDAY

  (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 100th birthday 
to private first-class David Perez.
  In 1931, David's immigrant parents and their 14 kids moved to the 
Salad Bowl of the World in Salinas, California to work in agriculture 
and raise a family.
  During World War II, David and two of his brothers were drafted to 
fight for our country. As a combat medic, Private Perez shipped out to 
the Pacific theater. Serving with the 27th Infantry Division, he fought 
hard, saved many lives, and even was injured by enemy fire. Private 
Perez received many medals for his service, including the Bronze Star 
for his bravery in the Battle of Saipan where he evacuated and tended 
to four of his wounded comrades.
  After the military, David returned to Salinas, raised a family and 
was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 31, and in 2019 he 
was chosen to be the grand marshal of the Salinas Veteran's Day parade.
  For all that he has done in his long life, David will be the first to 
tell you, though, his proudest moments are being with his wife Lillian, 
his two daughters, Celia and Felicia, five grandchildren, and five 
great grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy 100th to David and thank him for showing 
our community and our country what it means to be a part of the 
Greatest Generation and what it takes to fulfill an American Dream. 
Happy birthday.

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