Political Quotes

“I want to take you back 100 years to the year 1925. ``The Great Gatsby'' had just been published. In this very Chamber, the House voted to authorize the construction of Mount Rushmore. Entertainment legend Dick Van Dyke was born. Today, Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the 100th birthday of someone else born that same year, 1925, an American hero named Leonard Messineo of Amelia Island, Florida. Born on April 30, 1925, Len served bravely in World War II with the Army's 20th Armored Division. In April 1945, just days before the war in Europe ended, his unit fought through heavy resistance, helped liberate the Dachau concentration camp, and patrolled Hitler's vacated Eagle's Nest. Hitler took his own life on Len's 20th birthday; and Len proudly marks his birthday each year, saying that he celebrates April 30 for Hitler's demise. After the war, Len earned an engineering degree on the GI Bill and built a successful career in manufacturing, including for the U.S. Army. He later became an award-winning nature photographer. Len's greatest legacy is his family which includes two daughters, Deb and Lynn, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and even a grand-dog named Charlie. We wish Len a happy 100th birthday. We thank him for his service, his life, and his enduring example. May God continue to bless him. Celebrating the Retirement of Don Fann”