Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, David Guindon of Levittown, who is retiring after 27 years of quality customer service to our community at Sandy's Beef & Ale in Langhorne, PA.

Before becoming a co-owner, David was a regular patron at Sandy's Beef & Ale. It came as no surprise when in 1997, Dave Guindon and his former business partner, Bill Clark, purchased the establishment. In 2002, just five years later, David's wife Jane bought Bill's shares and together they worked tirelessly to maintain the legacy of Sandy's Beef & Ale while continuing to build on its reputation as a beloved community establishment. Under their leadership, Sandy's Beef & Ale quickly became a cornerstone of the Langhorne community.

David's dedication to our community was a driving force of the restaurant. He ensured that Sandy's Beef & Ale was a gathering place to support charitable organizations such as the Lower Bucks Family YMCA, the Middletown Athletics Association, and the American Cancer Society. Sandy's became more than just a place to get food and drinks; it became a place for neighbors to come together and make a difference in our community.

As David enters this new chapter of life, I want to take a moment to thank him for his years of hard work and his unwavering dedication to our community. On behalf of the residents of Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, I extend my warmest congratulations to David on his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ann Laughlin, an outstanding constituent from my district who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Born on January 13, 1925, in the Bronx, New York, Ann's parents had recently arrived in the United States from Italy. As was the custom of her family, being the first-born daughter, she was named Anna, followed by the country of birth: Anna America LaRosa. Ann had one brother, Jack, and the family eventually settled in Bucks County.

Ann's father, Frank, was forever grateful for the freedom and opportunities he found in America. He loved this country and passed along that love to Ann, who proudly flew an American flag from her Doylestown balcony for many years. Ann learned important life lessons from her father during their many weekend excursions around New York City. He taught her compassion and an understanding of others, which are evident in the fine person she is today.

Ann graduated from Trenton High School and soon began working in Philadelphia where she met her husband, Hodge. On March 26, 1949, they eloped, beginning their life together. Their first home was in Philadelphia where their son Richard was born. In 1958, they moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania where they formed many lifelong friendships.

Ann has two grandchildren, Scott and Madeline. Ann loves to exchange photos and texts messages with her family and many friends. She is an avid reader of biographies and the newspaper, and she loves to watch old movies; both are habits she learned from her father.

As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are grateful for the wonderful example of how to live life that she has shown to all who know her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an exceptional constituent from my district, Chuck Kunes. Throughout his life, Chuck has embodied a selfless and fearless spirit, resulting in a life rich in stories and memories. I commend Chuck for his service to our country and thank him for his great sacrifices and honorable legacy. As he celebrates his 100th birthday on February 27, 2025, I would like to recognize Chuck and wish happiness for him and his family.

Chuck was born in Trenton, New Jersey to Jewish immigrants Sam and Doris (Weinstock) Kunes on February 27, 1925. He attended schools in Trenton and the Bronx and worked shining shoes to help support his family when his father passed away suddenly in 1935, when Chuck was only ten years old. At age 18, before he could be drafted for World War II, Chuck enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, attended boot camp in North Carolina, and then went to flight school in Maine, where he was trained as a flight mechanic.

He was then sent to the South Pacific as part of VMF-214, most famously known as the ``Black Sheep Squadron,'' where he spent four years in Okinawa and China, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Following the service, Chuck attended the University of Illinois on the G.I. Bill, then moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania and spent the remainder of his life in Bucks County. He worked as an executive for the 3-M Company in Bristol for over 40 years.

Chuck was an original owner in the Stony Brook section of Levittown, eventually moving to Quincy Hollow and then, finally, to Forsythia Gate, where he cared for his wife, Alma, and three children, Karen, Steven and Susan. To date, Chuck and Alma have been married for 71 years.

Chuck has spent a lifetime enjoying fishing, hunting, baking, and as a private pilot. Chuck also loves his visits to Parx Casino. His family is so very proud that Chuck has reached this milestone in his life. Our Nation owes Chuck a debt that can never be repaid. We wish Chuck countless blessings, and I remain deeply appreciative of Chuck Kunes for his life of service and sacrifice for our community, district, and country. His commitment to his fellow neighbors, veterans, and servicemembers alike is a testament to his character and spirit. I am more than honored to recognize him today and wish him nothing but the best for his 100th birthday and the future beyond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life of the extraordinary Anna Payne, a woman whose impact on Bucks County, Pennsylvania, will endure for generations.

Mr. Speaker, Anna dedicated herself to service, not for recognition but because she believed in the power of uplifting others. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age, Anna understood struggle but she refused to let it define her.

Instead, she worked tirelessly to make life better for those facing challenges of their own. Anna was a fierce advocate for better healthcare and stronger support for families navigating rare diseases just like herself.

Through her leadership as vice chair of the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Council and as the founder of the Bucks County Cystic Fibrosis Alliance, Anna gave hope and a voice to so many in our community and across America.

Anna remained resolute in the face of a stage IV cancer diagnosis in 2021. This was an especially heartbreaking and all-too familiar diagnosis, as a year before her battle began, I lost my brother, Mike, who fought bravely but was taken by the same advanced stage cancer.

Anna continued serving as an elected official, advocating for policies that would ease the burden of others. Whether through her relentless work and healthcare advocacy, her commitment to local initiatives, or her ability to bring people together, Anna embodied the very best of our Bucks County community.

Mr. Speaker, today we mourn a profound loss, but we also celebrate a legacy and honor a life of service, of sacrifice, and of unyielding determination. Mr. Speaker, Anna's spirit remains woven into the fabric of our community. We honor her not just by words but with action by ensuring that her legacy is not only remembered but lived.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Vera Waddle Finley, an amazing person who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on February 5, 2025. It is my distinct honor to pay tribute to Ms. Finley on this joyous occasion and to highlight the extraordinary life that endears her to so many in the community. Born to Pearl Porterfield Waddle and Albert Norberth Waddle in Forman, Arkansas, she grew up in a family with five older siblings: Herley, Haskell, Marilla, Marilene and Aaron. In 1927, the Finley family moved to Ardmore, Oklahoma following the devastating loss of their mother, Pearl.

Vera, a high school graduate, has always been eager to learn more and has had a strong desire for knowledge, particularly in the field of business. While she initially devoted her time to being a homemaker, she later worked at Hansen Textile once her children were older. Vera finished out her career at Merck, Sharp and Dohme where she spent over 35 years as a Confidential Secretary using her fluency in typing and shorthand daily.

Vera met the love of her life, United States Army Air Corps Gunner Louis Franklin Finley, Jr. in 1943 as the pair danced the polka. The following Spring, the pair married and relocated to Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Throughout their 40 years together, the pair never missed a chance to share a dance. Together they raised four children-- Rockwell, Tanya, Ronald and Debra--who each went on to marry Brenda, Eddie, Barbara and Robert, respectively. If you ask any of her children, they will say that she was an excellent homemaker, gardener and cook.

Aside from her children, Vera has 10 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren. She enjoys conversing with others and listening to music. She is an active member of the Montgomery Baptist Church in Colmar, Pennsylvania where she remains the oldest member.

As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are extremely grateful for the positive impact she has had on her children, her family and all those who know her. She always sports a smile and loving heart.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Catherine Lois Plafcan, a remarkable constituent from my district, and to pay tribute to her on the celebration of her 100th birthday. It is a distinct honor to pay tribute to Mrs. Plafcan on this joyous occasion and to highlight the extraordinary life and contributions that endear her to so many in our community.

Catherine was born and raised in West Philadelphia and graduated from West Philadelphia High School in May of 1944. During her time in high school, she saw her brother, cousins, and friends enter military service to fight in World War II. She attended business school once she graduated high school to work as a secretary at the Philadelphia Naval Home.

Catherine met her husband John Plafcan playing bingo with friends in Mont Clare, Pennsylvania. They married on June 20, 1953, and were happily married for 52 years before John lost his battle with ALS. They had 3 children: Mark, John, and Tina.

Catherine enjoyed sketching landscapes and clothing. She loved to design dresses and coats and dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. Throughout her 100 years, Catherine has exemplified a spirit of resilience, generosity and dedication and has been an integral member of our community. Catherine truly embodies the spirit of family. She has spent her life putting her family first and her unwavering dedication to her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews is noticed by all who know her. Catherine's commitment to her family is evident in the countless memories she has helped create, and she continues to inspire those around her with her words of wisdom and enduring love.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to please join me in extending our heartfelt congratulations, sincere well-wishes, and all of God's Blessings to Catherine Lois Plafcan on the celebration of her 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Catherine Sclafani Longabucco, an amazing constituent from my district who will be celebrating her 102nd birthday on January 29, 2025. It is a distinct honor to pay tribute to Mrs. Longabucco on this joyous occasion and to highlight the extraordinary life and contributions that endear her to so many in our community.

Throughout her life, Catherine has exemplified a spirit of resilience, generosity and dedication and has been an integral member of our community. Prior to moving to Doylestown in 2021, Mrs. Longabucco raised her three children, Amelia, John, and Frank Jr., with her beloved husband Frank in New York.

Catherine has six great-grandchildren and enjoys learning more about what they are doing in their daily lives. She is an avid sudoku player and challenges herself to complete one puzzle every day in between her volunteering at the Central Bucks Senior Center and playing Rummikub, mahjong and bingo. If you need to find Catherine, she is likely helping to set up for the bingo festivities.

As we celebrate her 102 years of life, we are incredibly grateful for the positive impact she has made on all who know her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent of my district, Lower Makefield Chief of Police and Emergency Management Coordinator Kenneth D. Coluzzi who retired on December 31, 2024, after a distinguished 48-year career in law enforcement, including 24 years of dedicated and faithful service to the citizens of Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania.

Prior to becoming Chief of Police, Chief Coluzzi began his career as a police officer in Philadelphia. Starting out as an officer in the Transit Unit and moving to the 14th district of Germantown, he quickly rose through the ranks as corporal, detective, and then detective sergeant. Around this time, Chief Coluzzi was assigned to work with the elite Homicide Unit showing his dedication to his community and commitment to justice. Chief Coluzzi transferred to the Special Investigative Unit and Fugitive Squad and prior to leaving the Philadelphia Police Department, he went back to the Homicide Unit as their Commander. Throughout his 22 years serving the Philadelphia community, he was a well-known presence in the media, drawing attention to various high-profile investigations.

Chief Coluzzi has had extensive police training including attending the Northwestern University School of Staff and Command and the Pennsylvania State University Police Executive Management Program . The Chief has a bachelor's degree in business communications from Chestnut Hill College and holds a master's degree in business administration with a public administration concentration.

In 2000, Chief Coluzzi became the Chief of Police for the Lower Makefield Police Department in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the Lower Makefield Police Department was transformed. Chief Coluzzi brought new initiatives to the community including introducing the use of Narcan to police officers and advocating for all police agencies in Bucks County to use Naloxone.

After a dedicated career to law enforcement, Chief Coluzzi plans to spend time with his wife Karen, eight children and his thirteen grandchildren. Retirement for Chief Coluzzi means traveling and spending time fishing at the Jersey Shore,

I wish to congratulate Kenneth on his almost five decades of service to the citizens of Bucks and Philadelphia Counties and on his well- deserved retirement from the Lower Makefield Police Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Guardians of the National Cemetery Honor Guard, an extraordinary group comprised solely of volunteer veterans who have dedicated themselves to honoring our nation's heroes. Since 2010, these selfless individuals have conducted over 23,000 military honors at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, ensuring that every veteran laid to rest receives the dignity, respect, and recognition they so rightfully deserve for their service to our country.

The Guardians' commitment extends far beyond their daily military honors. They have played an integral role in outreach efforts, working tirelessly to inform the public about the mission of Washington Crossing National Cemetery and the essential services available to veterans and their families. Through their generosity, they have funded promotional videos highlighting the cemetery's importance. These videos, aired on public access networks, have helped foster community awareness and engagement, furthering support for this sacred space.

Their dedication goes beyond Washington Crossing National Cemetery. The Guardians provide military honors for veterans interred in private cemeteries upon request, demonstrating their profound respect for all veterans, regardless of where they are laid to rest. This unwavering commitment is a testament to their honor, compassion, and belief in the sacredness of military service.

In addition to their ceremonial duties, the Guardians have left a lasting legacy through their contributions to Washington Crossing National Cemetery. They were instrumental in securing donations for significant monuments, including the Gold Star Monument--the first of its kind dedicated to a national cemetery--and the General George Washington in Prayer Monument. Their efforts also brought forth a commemorative garden honoring the 100th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a United States Flag Rock Garden. Moreover, their dedication to the maintenance of the Avenue of Flags ensures that the cemetery remains a place of reverence and pride for generations to come.

Beyond their contributions to the cemetery, the Guardians serve as a vital bridge connecting the Veterans Administration, veterans, their families, and the broader community. They offer critical support to veterans in need, cultivating a network of compassion and care throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Their unwavering efforts underscore the profound importance of service, community, and solidarity, leaving an enduring impact that cannot be overstated.

For their tireless dedication, extraordinary service, and contributions to preserving the memory and honoring the legacy of our Nation's veterans. I am proud to recognize and honor the Guardians of the National Cemetery Honor Guard. These volunteer veterans embody the highest ideals of service, bringing great honor not only to themselves but also to the veterans they serve and the country they so proudly defended.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--A team that has gone above and beyond their call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize the Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team:

Deb Bray, Jan Buhler, Kelly Chase, Gwen Coverdale, Bonnie Gepner, Lisa Hearn, Deb Jennings, Kimbriell Kelly, Christine Kerrigan, Kim King, Cynthia Laggan, Heidi Lengel, Angie Lin, Larraine Lodise, Karen Lust, Heydi Lynch, Leanne Lyons.

Cindy Manzo, Chezza Martineau, Margie Milburn, Christy Murphy, Carrie Myers, Kimmel Nacewicz, Kelly Noonan, Lina Peterson, Maureen Petrosky, Kelly Quinn, Olivia Quinn, Marie Quizon, Laura Scaperotto, Jackie Squares, Joanne Stein, Jacquelyn Wetzel, Chris Wetzel (Coach), Tommy Leonardi (Coach).

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades, but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. The Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team has embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

This remarkable group has brought honor to our community on the global stage and demonstrates what it means to be a champion in every sense of the word. Led by the incredible Chris and Jaquelyn Wetzel, the Bucks Dragon Boat Association recently competed on the world stage in Ravenna, Italy, against the top dragon boat teams from around the globe. They brought home two silver medals and a gold--an achievement that speaks volumes about their talent, determination, and dedication. But as impressive as these victories are, their most profound accomplishment wasn't measured in medals but in saving a life.

On September 3rd, following a grueling 2000-meter race that earned them the silver medal, Christy Murphy and her Women's Senior A teammates were paddling back to the docks when they saw a man in the water, struggling to stay afloat. It was a moment that could have paralyzed many with fear, but instead, it became a moment of pure heroism. Without a second thought, Christy sprang into action, drawing on the same strength, precision, and teamwork that had carried them through the race. She knew every second was crucial.

With her teammates rallying behind her, Christy plunged into the water and swam to the struggling man. With the help of her teammates, they pulled him onto their boat and safely transferred him to the motor rescue they had flagged down. On that day, this remarkable group of Bucks County women did not just prove themselves as world-class athletes--they showed us all what it means to be true heroes. This extraordinary and selfless act transcends any medal or title, reminding us of the power of human connection, teamwork, and what we are capable of when we come together.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to The Bucks County Women's Senior A Dragon Boat Team for their extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional organization, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize extraordinary individuals from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--people who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize the Queen Bees Group:

Helen Irvine, Kelly Kemmerer, Robin Kemmerer, Missy Kitzmiller, Christina Swain.

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. The Queen Bees have embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

As co-founders of the Langhorne-Levittown-based non-profit, The Queen Bees, this remarkable all-female organization has not only served our community but transformed countless lives. They have dedicated their time and efforts to uplift those in the community facing adversity, channeling their collective strength towards a singular mission: creating positive change for those in need. Constituents like The Queen Bees strengthen the fabric of our district and prove that when driven by purpose, compassion, and a resolute sense of duty, individuals can leave a lasting and profound impact on an entire community.

In times of uncertainty, it is the work of organizations like The Queen Bees that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. Their service, given without expectation of recognition, stands as a testament to the belief that one individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, sparking change, fostering resilience, and inspiring hope. Today, we honor The Queen Bees not just for their remarkable deeds, but for who they are--true heroes, in every sense of the word.

Mr. Speaker, it is through the work of organizations like The Queen Bees that our communities thrive, and our Nation grows stronger. Their actions remind us that progress is not forged in grand gestures, but in the cumulative power of selfless acts. They embody the timeless American values of resilience, generosity, and compassion, showing us that the future is built by those who care deeply, act decisively, and give without hesitation.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to The Queen Bees for their extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these exceptional individuals, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary organization from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--one that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration I recognize the members Shir Ami Reform Synagogue, one of our district's distinguished Hometown Heroes.

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. The members of Shir Ami Reform Synagogue have embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

As a generous charity, Shir Ami Reform Synagogue has not only served our community, but transformed the lives of those around them. In a remarkable display of community and compassion, the Shir Ami members united to collect over 30,000 pounds of food to donate to eight local hunger relief agencies. Beyond their efforts to assist local families experiencing food insecurity, the Synagogue also has a Code Blue initiative to house homeless community members, a vital lifeline throughout our blistery winters. In addition to their local efforts here in Bucks, the Synagogue also collects food for multiple relief agencies throughout the Philadelphia region and host a monthly meal- making project to support Caring for Friends, a nonprofit organization that provides meals to the homebound and homeless in our community and beyond. Their efforts exemplify the true essence of community service.

In times of uncertainty, it is the work of organizations like the Shir Ami Reform Synagogue that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. Their service, given without expectation of recognition, stands as a testament to the belief that one individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, sparking change, fostering resilience, and inspiring hope. Today, we honor Shir Ami Reform Synagogue not just for their remarkable deeds, but for who they are-- true heroes, in every sense of the word.

Mr. Speaker, it is through the work of organizations like Shir Ami Reform Synagogue that our communities thrive, and our Nation grows stronger. Their actions remind us that progress is not forged in grand gestures, but in the cumulative power of selfless acts. They embody the timeless American values of resilience, generosity, and compassion, showing us that the future is built by those who care deeply, act decisively, and give without hesitation.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to the Shir Ami Reform Synagogue for their extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional organization, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary individual from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize the late Pauline Biedka, one of our district's distinguished Hometown Heroes.

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades, but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. Throughout her remarkable life, Pauline Biedka embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

At the age of 18, Pauline--one of our Nation's original Rosie the Riveters--joined the ranks of six million women across the country, during World War II, rolled up her sleeves, and went to work at Fleetwings Aircraft Plant in Bristol Borough. While there, she worked in the K9 department as the lead lady and guided other Rosies with riveting. According to Pauline: ``If you had a good team of riveters and buckers, you could go fast, down the line and get it done!'' Following her service during World War II, Pauline stepped up to serve our Nation once again and went back to work for Kaiser-Fleetwing in 1952 during the Korean

War. Her inspiring commitment to service, community, and country continued even after her many years as a Rosie. For twenty-five years, Pauline served as a dedicated Crossing Guard for the students and staff of the Neshaminy School District. A trailblazer, devoted wife, mother, grandmother of six, great-grandmother of twelve, Pauline led an extraordinary life of service to her family, community, and country,

In times of uncertainty, it is the work of individuals like Pauline that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit. Her service, given without expectation of recognition, stands as a testament to the belief that one individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, sparking change, fostering resilience, and inspiring hope. Today, we honor Pauline not just for her remarkable deeds, but for who she was--a true hero in every sense of the word.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to the family of Pauline Biedka for her extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional individual, whose leadership and spirit of service will continue to inspire generations to come. May her legacy remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of individuals from Pennsylvania's First Congressional District--people who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in service to both our community and our country. It is with great respect and admiration that I recognize several outstanding representatives of the Newtown Business Community as some of our district's distinguished Hometown Heroes.

Matt Arlen

Richard Fekete

Kathleen McCafferty

Gina Santoro

Hometown Heroes are not defined by titles or accolades, but by the quiet power of their actions. They are distinguished by their unwavering integrity, the strength of their character, and their steadfast commitment to the people and places they serve. They are the foundation upon which our communities stand--the ones who lift others up, inspire hope, and, in doing so, call us all to higher standards of service and compassion. This group of remarkable individuals have embodied this spirit in ways that words can scarcely capture.

In 2021, Newtown business owners Gina Santoro, Richard Fekete, Matt Arlen, and Kathleen McCafferty approached Main Street Founder Keith Fenimore with an idea to bring our community together in support of local breast cancer patients. Their idea was to host a block party event that drives community members to come out and shop locally, with all proceeds going to Main Street, whose programs help local breast cancer patients and their families with food assistance, integrative services, counseling, therapy, out-of-pocket expenses, treatment transportation, comfort bags, treatment center support, and more. And so, the business owners along State Street changed their exterior lights with pink bulbs, hosted their first Light the Night Pink Block Party, and raised over $8,000. Seeing the impact they were able to have, the Newtown Business Community collectively decided to continue and grow their efforts and hosted their second Block Party in 2022, which raised $17,000. And in 2023, in an awe-inspiring show of unity and compassion, this incredible group of local entrepreneurs rallied together once more and raised over $70,000--the most money ever raised and donated by a single event to the Main Street organization.

In times of uncertainty, it is the work of individuals like Gina, Richard, Matt, and Kathleen that reminds us of the power of the human spirit. Their service, given without expectation of recognition, stands as a testament to the belief that one individual's dedication can ripple through the lives of many, sparking change, fostering resilience, and inspiring hope. Today, we honor them not just for their remarkable deeds but for who they are--true heroes in every sense of the word.

On behalf of Pennsylvania's First Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to these individuals for their extraordinary service. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring this exceptional organization, whose leadership and spirit of service will inspire generations to come. May their example remind us of the boundless potential within each of us to make our communities, country, and world a better place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Guido P. DiFrancesco. He is a current resident of the Lutheran Community of Telford, Pennsylvania. Born in Philadelphia on December 17, 1924, Guido is celebrating his 100th birthday today.

He grew up on Mechanic Street in the Germantown section of Philadelphia with his four brothers and five sisters. At age 8, he constructed his own shoeshine box and started his own shoeshine business to help provide food for his parents and siblings. Guido had an amazing singing voice as a child, and he cultivated his love of music when he could by performing at school functions, weddings, and local night clubs. He attended Germantown High School until the Depression required him to leave high school and seek employment to help support his family.

As a teenager, he held several jobs including the Philadelphia Steel Mill and the famous Victor Harmonica factory where he learned to construct and play the harmonica before he entered the United States Army in 1941. He sailed to England on the RMS Mauretania where he entertained the troops with his gift of singing. He landed in Weymouth, England and prepared for the invasion of Normandy.

On D-Day, with G-Company, he landed on Omaha Beach with the First Infantry Division (The Big Red One), 18th Infantry Regiment. He was a Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) Marksman and fought across France for 6 months in hedge row to hedge row battles until he finally reached Belgium. He became deathly ill and was hospitalized there and then transferred to a hospital in England. While recuperating in England, he entertained the patients with his singing. He eventually came back to America and continued his convalescence and his singing at the Convalescent Hospital in Camp Upton, New York until he was honorably discharged and returned home in the spring of 1943.

After he returned home, he married and lived on Boyer Street in Germantown and eventually moved to Horsham, Pennsylvania in 1952. He held several manufacturing positions including a plant manager position at Huntingdon Industries for 30 years and Mac Electric in Glenside for 10 years. He was also self-employed as a home-improvement specialist until he officially retired at age 85. Guido was an involved member of the Warrington Lions for many years and worked tirelessly at their events.

Guido finally received his high school diploma at age 93. His work ethic and ingenuity are exemplary. He was devoted to his first wife, Rose, who died in 1976 and his second wife, Kitty, who died in 2019. He is a proud parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent of a blended family including a daughter and

son-in-law, a stepson, two stepdaughters and sons-in-law, ten grandchildren, and twenty-five great-grandchildren. He is a loving role model to his family and is a living history of someone who served our country so valiantly.

Our Nation owes Guido a debt that can never be repaid. We wish Guido countless blessings, and I remain deeply appreciative to Guido DiFrancesco for his life of service and sacrifice for our community, district, and country. His commitment to his fellow neighbors, veterans, and service members alike is a testament to his character and spirit. I am more than honored to recognize him today and wish him nothing but the best for his 100th birthday and the future beyond.