Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize St. Luke's Episcopal Church on the 150th anniversary of its first service at its edifice on Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The occasion will be celebrated with a service and open house on Friday, July 2, 2021.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church was incorporated at its initial location on Penn Avenue in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1852. Between 1850 and 1860, the city rapidly expanded and increased in population, and a larger building was needed to accommodate the faithful who gathered each week to worship. The Lackawanna Iron and Coal Company donated two lots in the 200 block of Wyoming Avenue for the new church. On July 5, 1866, the parish broke ground on its new building designed by top ecclesiastical architects Richard Upjohn and his son Richard Michell Upjohn in the Victorian Gothic style.

On July 2, 1871, the St. Luke's Rector, the Reverend Able Augustus Marple officiated the first service with the Right Reverend William Bacon Stevens, the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, delivering a sermon titled ``the Lord in his Holy Temple.'' The bishop administered the rite of confirmation during a second service that day. Congregants were in awe of the beauty of the new church, calling it ``an ornament to the city.''

An architectural marvel, the church has been a significant structure in the city's skyline for the past 150 years, towering above Wyoming Avenue in the heart of downtown. It has undergone several renovations throughout its history. In 1905, the Jermyn family gifted a new altar and reredos, improvements to the chancel, a new baptistry, and new decor in the nave in honor of vestryman John Jermyn. The altar, reredos, and window design were done by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany Studios in New York.

In 1898, Mary Throop Phelps funded the construction of the adjacent parish house in memory of her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin Throop. The Throop Memorial Parish House followed the national tradition of Episcopal parishes dedicating a parish house to serve the community. St. Luke's provided a summer home for women and children, and under the direction of the then-rector Rogers Israel, the Parish House hosted the Girls' Friendly Society, the Boys' Industrial Society, and a free kindergarten.

Today, St. Luke's continues to grow and prosper under the direction of priest-in-charge, Reverend Rebecca Barnes. She worked with the parish to establish Cypress House at St. Luke's which offers social services in the greater Scranton area. The parish is dedicated to social justice initiatives and community outreach, and remains an open and welcoming Christian congregation with a tradition of musical excellence.

I am honored to join with Mother Barnes and the entire congregation to celebrate St. Luke's 150th anniversary on Wyoming Avenue. The parish has been an essential part of the Scranton community, providing support and respite for those who need it and an inclusive place for all to gather to worship. May St. Luke's continue to welcome the faithful to its historic building for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I am thrilled that, this week, we bring up the INVEST in America Act, part of Joe Biden's American Jobs Plan, something that we have been waiting for for many years.

We have had infrastructure week after infrastructure week. We actually have a real one this week because we will be voting on the INVEST in America Act, something that will invest $700 billion into America's roads, bridges, tunnels, rail systems, water systems, and sewer systems, things that the Greatest Generation handed down to us. They came back from World War II after all the suffering and all the losses, and they sucked it up and actually contributed more.

All of these investments in American infrastructure that happened after World War II, we have been disinvesting in those things. It is time for us to step up to the plate and invest in America with the INVEST in America Act.

Let's get it done, and let's do it on a bipartisan basis. We all need to invest in our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise to lament the failure of the For the People Act, H.R. 1, in the United States Senate. It is a sad week that this has happened.

H.R. 1, the For the People Act, ought to be a bipartisan American goal. It ought to be a bipartisan American goal that we get big secret money out of politics. It ought to be a bipartisan American goal that we protect people's right to vote throughout this land. It ought to be a bipartisan American goal that we end gerrymandering and let the people choose the politicians instead of the politicians choosing their voters.

I am here to say that we are not done with the For the People Act and its goals. Let's make it bipartisan and let's make it an American goal.

Mr. Speaker, I couldn't be prouder of this House for passing the American Rescue Plan, an aggressive response to the pandemic, to pull us out of the doldrums in this country.

As a result, millions and millions of Americans are back in jobs; millions and millions of American kids are back in schools; and so many people are vaccinated. We are back on the road to recovery.

But we can't stop there. We have infrastructure to address. I have been waiting for close to 10 years for us to pass an aggressive infrastructure program. We have 7,500 miles of substandard roads in Pennsylvania alone to fix.

China is investing in itself: its roads, its bridges, its rail systems, its transit systems. What would make us think we don't have to compete with China? What would make us think that our companies don't need every advantage to compete on the world stage?

Let's get infrastructure done, and let's do it boldly and aggressively to build up and invest in our own country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Borough of Warrior Run, Pennsylvania on its 125th anniversary. Warrior Run was incorporated on January 25, 1895 after it split with neighboring mining village, Sugar Notch. The occasion will be marked by a festival and parade in late July after a year-long delay due to the pandemic.

The hills and valleys of Warrior Run were once densely forested Native American hunting grounds, inhabited by the Delaware, the Shawnee, and the Nanticokes. The Nattanhutter Path, a trail across the land to a gap in the mountains, became known as Warrior's Path, and the nearby spring was called Warrior Run or Warrior Spring. In 1778, more than one hundred men, women, and children followed the trail to safety in the aftermath of the Battle of Wyoming.

In 1791, Connecticut Yankees Elisha and Anna Blackman and their children were the first settlers on the land that would become Warrior Run. For generations, the Blackman family cultivated the land on the site of the original homestead and witnessed the changes brought by time, industry, and immigration.

As the American Industrial Revolution boomed, the formerly agrarian community saw the rise of anthracite coal mining. In 1864, the Warrior Run Mining Company opened the Holland and Hillman mine and, by 1867, constructed a breaker at the foot of the mountain to sort coal. With regional railroads completing lines that ran through the area, the coal industry thrived, and the demand for workers increased, attracting immigrants from Europe. Coal mining was dangerous work, so Warrior Run miners joined the United Mine Workers to seek fairer wages and a shorter workday, and they participated in the successful 1902 Anthracite Coal Strike. Mining continued to be the dominant industry well into the 20th century until its decline in the 1950s.

Despite the challenges of life in the shadows of the culm banks, there was evidence of prosperity and growth. Electric streetcars connected nearby towns and villages to the City of Wilkes-Barre, and the Borough was home to many local businesses and establishments. Sport thrived in Warrior Run and brought the community together. The Warrior Run Indians was one of the region's leading baseball teams; the local football team was the undefeated league champion in 1929; and basketball was a popular sport at the local high school.

As the century marched on, the citizens of Warrior Run continued to foster a deep sense of community. They joined local social and charitable organizations to support their fellow residents and celebrate their heritage. Residents gathered at local bazaars and at events hosted by the American Legion, the Fireman's Association, and the Little League, which featured ethnic food and music. They marched through the streets each Memorial Day to honor those who served our country, and they visited the popular Sans Souci Amusement Park.

Through periods of prosperity and hardship, Warrior Run has remained a resilient and vibrant community, and I am honored to join Mayor Tom Shypulefski and all the residents as they celebrate the Borough's 125th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Anthony ``Tony'' Polito, a lifelong resident of Archbald, Pennsylvania and champion of youth athletics. Tony will be recognized for his decades of service to his community with the dedication of the new Tony Polito Field House at the Archbald Community Sports Complex on Saturday, May 29, 2021.

Tony was born on May 27, 1932 to Theresa and James Vincent Polito, Italian immigrants who settled in Archbald. Tony went to Archbald High School where he stood out as a star athlete on both the baseball and football teams. He was an All-Star player on the baseball team from 1948 to 1950, and batting, left-handed, he was one of the league's leading hitters. When not leading off at the plate, he was the starting centerfielder. In 1949, he helped lead the team to a championship in the Northern Division of the Lackawanna Baseball League. He was a starting player on many of the top teams in the region such as the Eynon Indians, the Dutch Hill AC, and the Carbondale South Side Clippers. He also played American Legion Baseball for the Eynon Legion.

On the football field, he was a quarterback and halfback for the Archbald High School Rams. Prior to being sidelined with an injury, he was a top scorer in the conference, and as linebacker, he led the team in tackles. For his efforts on the field, he was named team captain and voted most athletic in his class.

After graduating with the Class of 1950, Tony answered the call of duty and joined the United States Army. During the Korean War, he served as a demolition expert. Following his military service, Tony spent his professional career as a production control specialist at Lockheed Martin's Archbald location before retiring after 40 years with the company.

As a former standout high school athlete, Tony sought to encourage young athletic talent in his community. For nearly four decades, he has been actively involved in youth athletics as a coach, mentor, and fan. He shared his extensive baseball knowledge and experience as the coach of a little league team, and he assisted with administrative tasks and field maintenance for the league. He has advised generations of players and coaches to help them reach their full potential in the sport. For his contributions, he has been recognized with a flagpole dedicated in his name at the Laurel Street complex and a banner on the fence of the Archbald Community Sports Complex field. In 2003, Tony was inducted into the Archbald Athletic Hall of Fame.

Tony was supported in his community efforts by his late wife, Lois Bishop Polito. Together they had four children, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

I am honored to join Tony's family and community in recognizing his steadfast dedication to youth sports and the Archbald community. May future generations of athletes, coaches, mentors, and community leaders be inspired by Tony's lifetime of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Cardoni, my virtual guest of honor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s first address to a Joint Session of Congress. John is one of the many heroes of this pandemic who I am proud to represent in the House of Representatives. When he fell on pandemic hard times, he refused to give up in the face of adversity.

John lives in Dupont, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Agnes Cardoni, Ph.D. and their son, Christopher. He is the Facility Director for the esteemed Scranton Cultural Center, which was devastated by the economic downturn brought on by the pandemic as so many large event venues were. Although he was laid off early on amid the COVID-19 outbreak, John and his family were able to make ends meet with the help of direct economic impact payments and enhanced unemployment insurance made possible through the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. These relief lifelines helped John and his wife keep up with their mortgage payments and meet out-of-pocket medical expenses.

A diabetic and transplant recipient, John also understood that his medical history put him at higher risk for serious COVID-19 infection, and so he was careful to avoid close contact with others outside of his immediate household.

Now, over a year later, and several weeks since the enactment of the American Rescue Plan, John and his family are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and he has been able to gather with his mother and sisters safely in person once again. Additionally, he has been able to make plans to safely reopen the Scranton Cultural Center's doors and continue providing enriching experiences for Northeastern Pennsylvanians of all ages.

Throughout this past year, President Biden has often warned the world, ``it has never, ever, been a good bet to bet against the American people.'' He is right, and Americans like John are the people he has in mind when he boasts this sentiment.

Although I regret being unable to have John accompany me in the House chamber in person due to COVID-19 safety protocols in place at the time, I am humbled to uplift his comeback story. It is a shining example of American resilience and determination through the darkest of times.

I recognize his story in honor of him, as well as all the Northeastern Pennsylvanians who suffered, sacrificed and persevered through this pandemic.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, we, as Members of Congress, all personally experienced the January 6 insurrection. And we owe it not only to the people of our Nation,

but to the democratic institutions in which we serve to investigate this attack, prosecute those involved to the full extent, and ensure that such an event never happens again. Madam Speaker, there is only one man, one person who is quoted on the walls of this august Chamber, this people's House.

Madam Speaker, that quotation is above your head, and it is by that man, Daniel Webster. This Nation was founded on the principle that we are a Nation of laws, not based on the caprice or the whim of people. We are a Nation of laws and there was no stronger advocate for that principle than Daniel Webster.

And he said this: He said: The law: it has honored us; let us honor it by executing it in its fullest severity.

If we don't do a proper job of investigating that insurrection on January 6 and prosecuting the people at fault, and the people in derogation of the criminal laws of this Nation, we will make a mockery, a sham of everything that Daniel Webster stood for.

To achieve the goal of full accountability and adherence to the law in my position of chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriation Subcommittee, I have been actively involved in addressing the issues raised following the January 6 insurrection, beginning with the immediate investigation and continuing over the days and weeks following the attack on the Capitol.

My subcommittee dug into the subject at public hearings this spring. We explored the subject of domestic violent extremism in our hearing with the Attorney General and the Justice Department's national security division.

Based on the results of these efforts, the CJS Subcommittee included funding for three priorities from January 6 security supplemental: Reimbursing several Justice Department bureaus for the January 6- related expenses; more resources to enhance the security of Federal judges; and most importantly, increased resources for Federal prosecutors to ensure they have the funding to implement the widest possible prosecution policy aimed at bringing to justice the perpetrators of January 6.

Again, I urge my colleagues to support this critical piece of legislation to ensure the safety and security of our democracy. Madam Speaker, I thank my fellow subcommittee chairs.

Mr. Speaker, this week I was so proud to announce that $330 million from the American Rescue

Plan is on its way to my district to keep frontline public workers on the payroll; that $50 million is coming to my district to help our colleges, universities, and their students recover from this horrible pandemic; and that advance monthly child tax credit payments--a tax cut for working families with children--stand to benefit 126,000 children in my district alone.

These are more than just numbers on a page. They represent the promise of life returning to this country as part of the American Rescue Plan which has put checks back in pockets, put people back in jobs, put the shots in the arms, and put our kids back in the schools.

This is the American Rescue Plan, and it is working.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, current coach, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Julian Campenni. Julian was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports all of Fame in 2020 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the State of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Julian had a standout athletic career at Wyoming Area High School as part of the football and track and field teams. He served as the varsity football team captain, and for his efforts on the field, he earned Wyoming Valley Conference Division II MVP honors and was a Big 33 All-Star Defensive Lineman and a member of the WNEP Channel 16 Dream Team. He was a Chesapeake Bowl All-Star, a Times Leader All-Wyoming Valley Conference Defensive Lineman, Second Team All-State, a Citizens Voice All-Wyoming Valley Conference Defensive Lineman, and a Big 33 Selection. He was named to the Northeastpafootball.com Wyoming Valley Conference First Team offensive and defensive line and Easternfootball.com Small School All-State Team defensive line.

Julian continued his athletic and academic career at the University of Connecticut. He was a 4-year letterman and served as team captain in 2015, playing 47 career games with 38 starts. He was recognized as a member of the All-American Athletic Conference Second Team. His athletic prowess attracted the attention of the NFL, and he was invited to attend Rookie Mini Camp with the Indianapolis Colts.

Following his career on the field, Julian returned to his alma mater, Wyoming Area, to begin his coaching career on the defensive line. He spent the 2016 season with the Warriors and helped lead the team to a conference championship before moving to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend Boston College, where he studied sports management and worked as a graduate assistant with the football team's offensive line.

In 2018, after earning his master's degree, Julian accepted a defensive line position with the Bowling Green State University football team in Ohio where he still coaches today.

It is an honor to recognize Julian on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of public servant, community leader, and United States Army veteran Paul J. Maher. Paul peacefully passed away at the age of 87 on February 19, 2021.

Paul was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to Paul W. and Elizabeth Zwiebel Maher. He graduated from Mary's High School, and he remained actively involved with his alma mater as an alumnus, coordinating class reunions. He also attended Wilkes College and Wyoming Seminary.

Answering the call to serve his country, Paul enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean conflict. Before being discharged as a sergeant, he served at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 81st Chemical Group attached to the 82nd Airborne, holding the positions of company administrator and desk sergeant. After the Army, he had successful careers in banking and sales.

In 1971, Paul began his political career as the Coordinator of Federal Funds for the City of Wilkes-Barre where he worked closely with the late Congressman Dan Flood. His service to the city was instrumental in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in 1972. He attended flood recovery meetings and helped set up trailer parks for displaced residents, and he was a founding member and chairman of the South Wilkes-Barre Action Committee. In 1976, the late chairman of the Commissioner Board, F.C. Wideman, Jr., appointed Paul as the first Luzerne County Budget and Personnel Director where he oversaw allocations of funds and started a program to engage service clubs and women's organizations in the budget process.

In 1985, he began his 26-year career working with Congressman Paul Kanjorski of Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District as a field representative, serving as a liaison for all unions and managing small business inquiries. He was a well-known presence in the community, representing the Congressman at community events.

Paul was generous with his time and active in South Wilkes-Barre throughout his life. He volunteered at organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and the Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center and served on councils and authorities such as the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority and the Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority. He was a member of many community and social clubs, including the Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township American Legions, the Sons of St. Patrick, and the Donegal Society. Following his interest in politics, he served as Democratic State committeeman for four decades. Paul organized and coached football for youth and high school teams, and he was inducted into the Wyoming Valley Boxing Hall of Fame in 1998 as a boxing judge.

Paul was married to his wife, Judith Delong, for 18 years, and he took great joy connecting with his extended family. Paul dedicated his time and energy to the betterment of his community and his county, and I am humbled to honor the life of this true public servant.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and northeastern Pennsylvania native Glenn Frey. Glenn was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Glenn played football for Tunkhannock High School from 1927 to 1930 where he was described as the backbone of the team. He also excelled as pitcher on the baseball team, leading Tunkhannock to a county championship in 1931.

After graduating high school in 1931, Glenn continued his athletic and academic career at Temple University in Philadelphia. At Temple, he played for legendary Coach Glenn ``Pop'' Warner. During his collegiate career, he was named an All-American. In 1935, he played quarterback against Tulane University in the first Sugar Bowl in front of a crowd of 20,000 people at Tulane Stadium. Going into post-season play, Temple was undefeated and sought to defend their record. As starting quarterback, Glenn threw the first touchdown in Sugar Bowl history to Danny Testa in the first quarter of the game. Despite the Owls leading 14-0 at halftime, the home team pulled ahead to beat Temple 20-14.

Glenn's talent attracted the attention of the NFL, and he began his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles. Under coach Bert Bell, who would later be named the commissioner of the NFL, Glenn played quarterback, blocking back, and defensive back for two seasons. After retiring from professional football, Glenn took a position with Sunoco. He died in 1980 at the age of 67.

It is an honor to recognize Glenn on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, official, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Kathy Goeringer. Kathy was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sports of basketball, volleyball, softball, track and field, and golf. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the State of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Kathy is the daughter of Raymond and Nancy Goeringer. As a student athlete at Tunkhannock High School, she was a varsity starter on the school's championship basketball and volleyball teams. She set scoring records of 39 points and 26 rebounds for single game performances, and she was named to the Susquehanna League Basketball Coaches All-Star Team 2 years in a row. In 1974, she helped start the school's track and field team which went undefeated three seasons in a row and won three district team and individual titles. In shot put, Kathy set a school record and competed in local, State, and regional Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) competitions, winning five gold medals at the local and State levels.

After graduating high school in 1976, Kathy continued her athletic career on the basketball team at Slippery Rock State College in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. She left the team after 2 years to become the first female sports editor of the student newspaper, The Rocket. She also began her coaching career while an undergraduate, coaching the East Lawrence girls' softball team to a league championship. She would later coach the Luzerne County Community College softball team.

Following the end of her playing career, Kathy began officiating basketball at the high school and Division II and III collegiate levels. Over the next 40 years, she amassed an impressive resume, officiating for regular season games in addition to league playoffs, district championships, the PIAA Girls State Championships, and NCAA Division III playoff games. Kathy's fair and competent officiating skills earned her the title of chapter interpreter, a position she held for nearly 30 years. She conducted rules meets, answered rules questions from coaches and fellow officials, and taught proper officiating techniques. Kathy has also been a long-time boys and girls volleyball official.

In 1980, Kathy took up golf and found great success locally, regionally, and nationally. She founded the Shadowbrook Women's Gold League and hosted the Shadowbrook Women's Invitational. She is a longtime member of the United States Golf Association, and she is a longtime champion of girls' and women's golf.

It is an honor to recognize Kathy on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, current coach, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Kathy Healey. Kathy was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for her distinct athletic achievements in the sports of basketball and softball. She and her fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the State of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

Kathy had a standout athletic career at Seton Catholic High School in Pittston, Pennsylvania, playing basketball and soccer. She helped lead her teams to three league titles, three district titles, and state playoff games. After graduating from Seton Catholic, Kathy earned her bachelor's degree in health and physical education from Marywood University and her master's degree in educational development and strategies from Wilkes University. While an undergraduate at Marywood, she began coaching basketball at St. Mary's School. Under her direction, the team won four league titles and played in four Diocesan Championships.

In 1982, Kathy returned to her alma mater Seton Catholic as assistant basketball coach where she helped coach the team during several undefeated seasons. After being named head coach in 1990, her team won two Wyoming Valley League titles and two district titles and went on to the State playoffs eleven out of 12 years. During the 1996-1997 season and the 1997-1998 season, the varsity team was 50-5. She coached her team all the way to the eastern semifinal game only to lose in double overtime. She has coached numerous 1000-point scorers, all-star team players, and one all-State player. Kathy also coached the softball team, turning a losing team into a league contender in 3 years. In their third year, the team finished the season with an 11-4 record. In 1990, she was named Wyoming Valley Softball Coach of the Year.

Kathy moved on to coach at Wyoming Area High School where her teams competed year-round. In 2009, she started coaching at Pittston Area High School, turning the team into league contender and one of the top teams in Division I of the Wyoming Valley Conference (WVC). The team made school history in 2015 by winning the District 2 Class 4A title. Her players included many 1000-point scorers, all-stars, and an all- State player. She also coached many of the WVC's best players on Rock Solid, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) travel team which competed in the national championship. Kathy currently coaches the Hanover Area girls' softball team where she also teaches health and physical education.

Kathy has been recognized for her contributions to the community and athletics. She was the recipient of the Thomas Brennan Award for her commitment to the Seton Catholic community, and she was voted Educator of the Year in 2018 by the Wyoming/Luzerne County System of Care and Best High School Athletic Coach by the Pittston Sunday Dispatch nine times. She most recently won the Attorney Joseph F. Saporito Lifetime of Service Award.

It is an honor to recognize Kathy on her induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May her story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Plymouth Little League founder, veteran, and northeastern Pennsylvania native William O'Boyle, Sr. William was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his community engagement and as a co-founder of the Plymouth Little League. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.

Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the State of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.

William was born in 1922 and grew up in Plymouth, Pennsylvania. In his youth, he enjoyed all sports and was a particularly talented roller skater and ice skater. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1941.

William answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army to fight in World War II. He was part of the Normandy invasion when Allied troops stormed the beaches of Northern France. After exiting the landing craft, he valiantly progressed up the

hill toward the enemy, and in his charge to engage in combat, he stepped on a land mine which resulted in the loss of his right leg.

William was not deterred by his injury; he returned home and was fitted with a prosthetic leg. He married his wife, Elizabeth, and together they had one son, William, Jr. He worked at Leslie Fay as their traffic manager and became actively involved in his local community. In 1950, with his friend Joseph ``Shep'' Chepulis, he cofounded the Plymouth Little League. He served as league president every year except for the 4 years his son played in the league. Under his direction, Maureen Dillion was appointed the first female umpire in local Little League history, and she would eventually be named the league's umpire-in-chief.

Moved by his time in the Army and seeking to connect with those who shared similar experiences, William became active in local veterans' organizations. He was a past commander of the Plymouth American Legion and VFW and a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

William passed away in 1995, but the Plymouth Little League and his legacy as a community role model and leader live on.

It is an honor to recognize William on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and dedication to his community serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvanians.