On the recordMarch 19, 2015
105 years ago, in a small town in Germany, Bertel Van Eek was born. Her 105 years on this Earth have been a testament to the greatness of the United States. She has seen so much. Living in Holland during World War II, she saw the capability and bravery of our military and its members. She personally lived our Nation's immigrant story, coming to America after the war with $20 and the clothes on her back and eventually becoming an American citizen. As someone whose spouse died 34 years ago, she has been able to live with dignity because of two of the greatest public policies in the history of this country, Medicare and Social Security. She has seen the power of the American education system, watching her daughter and son-in-law become teachers and seeing three grandsons, who love her very much, also pursue educational opportunities so they could follow their dreams. Mr. Speaker, she even saw her youngest grandson get the honor of serving his community in Congress. Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying to Bertel Van Eek, my grandma, happy 105th birthday, Oma. We love you very much. ____________________
