RECOGNIZING MARTIN JOSEPH "JOE" O'ROURKE

On 2026-08-06, Representative Mike Bost (R-IL-12) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MARTIN JOSEPH "JOE" O'ROURKE" in the House.

RECOGNIZING MARTIN JOSEPH "JOE" O'ROURKE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 129 (Thursday, August 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E775] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MARTIN JOSEPH ``JOE'' O'ROURKE _____ HON. MIKE BOST of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, August 6, 2026 Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke in celebration of his milestone 100th birthday and his years of dedicated service to his country. Joe was born July 21, 1926, in Marshall, Illinois. As the son of a World War I veteran, when Joe's time for service came, he readily answered the call. He enlisted on May 17, 1945, as a private in the United States Army during World War II. Joe achieved the rank of Technician Fourth Grade and was assigned to the 977th Signal Service Battalion. He was stationed in Italy and Iran, where he helped maintain strategic military communication systems and critical infrastructure. Joe was honorably discharged and awarded the Victory Medal and the Overseas Service Bar, before retuming home to Marshall. Joe married the love of his life, Inez Louise Remlinger, and with her support, went back to school and earned his GED. He and Inez would raise five sons: Bob, Tom, John, Gary, and Brian. God blessed the couple with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating Martin Joseph ``Joe'' O'Rourke, a World War II veteran and devoted family man, for 100 years well lived. ____________________