Recognizing Mr. Arthur J. ``art'' Fuxan, Jr.

Floor Speech

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Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary American, Mr. Arthur J. ``Art'' Fuxan, Jr., on the occasion of his 100th birthday. His century of life reflects faith, service, devotion to family, and an enduring love of country. Born in New Orleans as the eldest of ten children, Art faced hardship early, helping raise his siblings after the loss of his mother while working to support his family. In 1944, at just 18, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II, serving as a Radio Operator Mechanic and Air Crewman in Guam, where he worked on B-29 aircraft and volunteered for a mission preparing for the invasion of Japan.

During his service, Art maintained a devoted correspondence with his future wife, Pat. They married in 1949, raised four children, and built a life grounded in faith and community, blessed with generations of descendants.

After the war, Art earned a business degree from Loyola University through the G.I. Bill and went on to a successful career in sales and industrial engineering. He also dedicated himself to service as an Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, Eucharistic Minister, and Knight of Columbus. Art showed remarkable devotion caring for his wife during her battle with Alzheimer's and has continued to live a life of faith and fellowship. Even at 100, he remains an inspiration to all who know him.

Mr. Fuxan embodies the very best of the Greatest Generation. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his lifetime of service and wishing him continued health and happiness on this extraordinary milestone.

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