Political Quotes

“Today I want to tell the story of a constituent of mine whose life has exemplified the American Dream. Joe Schneider was born in Kernei, Yugoslavia, in 1929. While his father was off fighting in World War II, Joe led his displaced family on a journey throughout Eastern Europe. As refugees, the war years were extremely challenging, and he eventually lost a leg at the age of 15. His family was given the opportunity to leave Austria and arrived in the U.S. as immigrants in 1951. Without speaking a word of English, he set out to start working as a tailor. He finally lived his dream when he founded Joe's Tailor Shop at 50. For more than 25 years, his small family business created employment and provided for more than 20 families. As a resident of Hanover Park, Illinois, Joe was known for his commitment to his community. In 1953, Joe met Katharina Schaeffer, who was also an immigrant from Kernei. They had three children and three grandchildren together. The family was blessed to be able to celebrate Joe and Katharina's 60th wedding anniversary in February. Unfortunately, Joe passed away recently, but his American Dream and love for his country and his family will live on forever. I send my condolences to his family and especially to Herman, his son, who continues that tradition of the American Dream and is leading manufacturing in our district, adding to the strength of this Nation. ____________________”