OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Recognizing United States Navy World War II Veteran Bernard M. Rice's 100th Birthday

Floor Speech

Date: June 21, 2024
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bernard M. Rice, a United States Navy World War II veteran and a remarkable constituent from my district, and to pay tribute to his celebration of his 100th birthday.

Bernard was born in Baltimore, Maryland on June 19, 1924. He attended Calvert Hall High School, where he was an accomplished student and soccer player. After graduation in 1943, he enlisted into the United States Navy. Bernard served proudly during World War II as a Quartermaster 2nd Class on the USS New Kent (APA-217, which were part of the Amphibious Personnel Assault Ships). On Easter Sunday morning, April 1, 1945, Bernard helped to navigate the initial landing of the USS New Kent onto the beaches of Okinawa, Japan, as part of Operation Iceberg, the United States invasion of Japan. For the next seven days, Bernard and the USS New Kent made repeated landings transporting thousands of soldiers to support the Okinawa invasion.

After World War II, Bernard returned to Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland where he majored in Business and minored in Industrial Engineering. After graduation, Bernard worked for his father's mechanical contracting company. Several years later Bernard assumed the leadership of the company and successfully led its operation and expansion over the next 40 years until his retirement.

Bernard was a devoted husband of 72 years to his wife Norma, who sadly passed away in 2020. Together they raised four children in Severna Park, Maryland, where Bernard enjoyed his love of sailing. He moved to Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 2015. In addition to his four children, Bernard has nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

As we celebrate his 100 years of life, we are incredibly grateful for the many positive impacts he has made. We want to thank him for his devoted service to our Country, and we heartily wish Bernard continued joy and God's blessings for the future.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward