CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LEE BRATCHER, JR.

On 2026-09-16, Representative Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LEE BRATCHER, JR." in the House.

CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LEE BRATCHER, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E941] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LEE BRATCHER, JR. ______ HON. BRETT GUTHRIE of kentucky in the house of representatives Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a very happy 100th birthday to a remarkable Kentuckian and United States Army veteran, Lee Bratcher, Jr. Born on September 16, 1926, in Halt County, Kentucky, Lee was the fourth of five children born to Roberta and Lee Bratcher, Sr. Growing up in rural Kentucky during the height of the Great Depression, Lee learned the value of hard work and responsibility at an early age. After completing eighth grade and while working on his family's farm, Lee registered for the Selective Service in 1943. At the age of 19, Lee was drafted into the United States Army in November 1945 to serve during World War II. After completing various trainings in preparation for his deployment, Lee went on to be stationed in Europe, primarily in Germany, as the War ended and the process of rebuilding the European continent began. After two years of dedicated military service, Lee returned home to the Commonwealth, marrying Betty Jean Reynolds on November 5, 1949. Together, they built a life centered around faith and community. Faith has been at the center of Lee's life, helping to guide and shape the spiritual life of those in his community. Over the years, he has served as a deacon, treasurer, and member of the building and pastor search committees at Lonoke Baptist Church in Horse Cave, Kentucky. Shortly after his return from Europe, Lee and his wife purchased their first farm in Hart County, growing tobacco and raising cattle. As a 30-year member of the Hart County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Lee has held the role of president on three separate occasions, helping to shape agriculture policy in the county and Commonwealth. On October 7, 2019, Lee faced the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Betty. Their commitment to each other was evident throughout their lives, allowing them to be just one month shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. Her memory lives on in Lee and their three children, Pam, James, and Don. For 100 years, Lee Bratcher, Jr. has represented the very best of the American spirit. I wish Lee a happy 100th birthday and I thank him for a century of service to his family, his community, and our Nation. ____________________