Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-25

CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. "BILL" McVEDA

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On 2026-02-25, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. "BILL" McVEDA" in the House. The speech addressed the environment.

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CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. "BILL" McVEDA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [House] [Page H2308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. ``BILL'' McVEDA (Mr. DOWNING asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' McVeda who this past Valentine's Day celebrated 100 years of a life well lived. Bill McVeda was born in Lewistown, Montana, on the 14th of February, the youngest of three, to a hardworking family in a hardworking community. At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He would go on to serve in the Pacific theater, witnessing the historic second flag-raising at Iwo Jima and the surrender of the Japanese. For his service, Bill received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Janet; raised two children; and built a respected career in human resources management with Lockheed Martin and with Northrop Grumman. Mr. Speaker, Bill McVeda is a great American and a true patriot. The world needs more men like him, not fewer. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his example of service and his commitment to family and community. As a native son of Montana, our State is proud to call him ours and wishes him a happy birthday. HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL MEJIA (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of National City Firefighter Michael Mejia, a hero who was tragically lost in the line of duty in February. Mike began his over three decades of service in 1993 with the Del Mar Fire Department. In 2000, he joined the National City Fire Department, where he served for the rest of his distinguished career. He was a beloved member of this fire department. Those who knew Mike best describe his bravery, kindness, professionalism, and his dedication to his fellow fighters. Service and community were at the heart of everything that Mike did, from his work as a founding member of the honor guard and color guard to his decades as medical unit leader and EMT at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and father. His family was his greatest pride. He is survived by his wife, Marin, and their two daughters. Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with Mike's family, friends, and colleagues. Mike dedicated his life to helping others, and he will always be remembered. ____________________

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CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. "BILL" McVEDA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [House] [Page H2308] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING WILLIAM L. ``BILL'' McVEDA (Mr. DOWNING asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. DOWNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' McVeda who this past Valentine's Day celebrated 100 years of a life well lived. Bill McVeda was born in Lewistown, Montana, on the 14th of February, the youngest of three, to a hardworking family in a hardworking community. At the age of 17, Bill enlisted in the United States Navy. He would go on to serve in the Pacific theater, witnessing the historic second flag-raising at Iwo Jima and the surrender of the Japanese. For his service, Bill received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with two stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. After the war, Bill married his childhood sweetheart, Janet; raised two children; and built a respected career in human resources management with Lockheed Martin and with Northrop Grumman. Mr. Speaker, Bill McVeda is a great American and a true patriot. The world needs more men like him, not fewer. Mr. Speaker, I thank Bill for his example of service and his commitment to family and community. As a native son of Montana, our State is proud to call him ours and wishes him a happy birthday. HONORING THE LIFE OF MICHAEL MEJIA (Mr. VARGAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of National City Firefighter Michael Mejia, a hero who was tragically lost in the line of duty in February. Mike began his over three decades of service in 1993 with the Del Mar Fire Department. In 2000, he joined the National City Fire Department, where he served for the rest of his distinguished career. He was a beloved member of this fire department. Those who knew Mike best describe his bravery, kindness, professionalism, and his dedication to his fellow fighters. Service and community were at the heart of everything that Mike did, from his work as a founding member of the honor guard and color guard to his decades as medical unit leader and EMT at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and father. His family was his greatest pride. He is survived by his wife, Marin, and their two daughters. Mr. Speaker, my prayers are with Mike's family, friends, and colleagues. Mike dedicated his life to helping others, and he will always be remembered. ____________________