Harry Reid: “the adjournment of the 107th Congress means we shall soon be bidding goodbye to the year 2002. The weeks ahead will be…”

“the adjournment of the 107th Congress means we shall soon be bidding goodbye to the year 2002. The weeks ahead will be filled with reviews of the headlines and history of 2002. Unfortunately, 2002 marks the passing of an even greater number of individuals who made up what some refer to as the ``Greatest Generation.'' The men and women who sacrificed much and rose to meet the awesome challenges confronting our great nation in the aftermath of World War II are dying off in greater numbers each year. Today, I wish to recognize the life of one such individual who embodied the self sacrifice, uniquely American optimism, and genuine goodness of this generation--Joseph Vincent Trebat of Mount Prospect, IL. Joseph Trebat passed on to eternal life on August 14th but left behind a legion of family and friends whose lives have been infinitely enriched because of his life. Joseph Trebat, ``Dad'' to his six children, ``Papa'' to his twenty-one grandchildren and two great grandchildren and ``Joe'' to his beautiful bride of 66 years, Lauretta, will be sorely missed. It is often said of men like Joe that he lived a good life. For Joe, however, it is more important to add that his was a life well led. Joe's life was truly an American life. The son of Slovak immigrants, Joe grew up in Chicago and was by all accounts a self-made man. He worked his way through college and spent 50 years at the same company. He brought the same dedication to his family.”