Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-05-04

HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR.

TaxesCrime & JusticeVeterans

Context

On 2026-05-04, Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ-6) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR." in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered crime and justice, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 77 (Monday, May 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 77 (Monday, May 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E412] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR. ______ HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Monday, May 4, 2026 Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as family, friends, and community members gather to celebrate the life of Lester E. Wright Sr., I would like to join in paying tribute to his memory. Lester passed away on April 20, 2026 after a long life filled with countless professional and personal accomplishments. Lester was a U.S. Army Veteran during WWII, successful businessman, beloved father, and the fastest known Centenarian. Until his honorable discharge in 1945, Lester proudly served in the United States Army as a rifle sharpshooter. For his time fighting in Central Europe and Northern France, he was awarded with the American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and Four Bronze Battle Stars. Since early in life, Lester was an avid runner. Most notably, Lester received two gold medals at the Penn relays for his performance at 76 years old and as the world record-breaking finisher in the 100-meter dash for a 100- year-old. With his wife of 81 years, Adele, Lester owned and operated the Long Branch Dental Laboratory. This was the first Black owned and operated dental laboratory in Long Branch, NJ. As a lifelong resident of Long Branch, Lester exemplified community service through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, Community Center, and membership to the City's Recreation Committee and Board of Adjustments. Mr. Wright, Sr. is predeceased by his loving wife Adele, his sons Lester Wright, Jr. and Joseph Wright. He is remembered in cherished memory by his daughters Doreen Wright and Carolyn McCain; grandchildren Michael Wall, Ronald Brown, John Wall, Rachel McConnell, Corinne Hood, and Brian Wall; his great and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring Lester E. Wright, Sr. for his leadership and dedication to his community and our Nation. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 77 (Monday, May 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 77 (Monday, May 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E412] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF LESTER E. WRIGHT, SR. ______ HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. of new jersey in the house of representatives Monday, May 4, 2026 Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, as family, friends, and community members gather to celebrate the life of Lester E. Wright Sr., I would like to join in paying tribute to his memory. Lester passed away on April 20, 2026 after a long life filled with countless professional and personal accomplishments. Lester was a U.S. Army Veteran during WWII, successful businessman, beloved father, and the fastest known Centenarian. Until his honorable discharge in 1945, Lester proudly served in the United States Army as a rifle sharpshooter. For his time fighting in Central Europe and Northern France, he was awarded with the American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and Four Bronze Battle Stars. Since early in life, Lester was an avid runner. Most notably, Lester received two gold medals at the Penn relays for his performance at 76 years old and as the world record-breaking finisher in the 100-meter dash for a 100- year-old. With his wife of 81 years, Adele, Lester owned and operated the Long Branch Dental Laboratory. This was the first Black owned and operated dental laboratory in Long Branch, NJ. As a lifelong resident of Long Branch, Lester exemplified community service through his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, Community Center, and membership to the City's Recreation Committee and Board of Adjustments. Mr. Wright, Sr. is predeceased by his loving wife Adele, his sons Lester Wright, Jr. and Joseph Wright. He is remembered in cherished memory by his daughters Doreen Wright and Carolyn McCain; grandchildren Michael Wall, Ronald Brown, John Wall, Rachel McConnell, Corinne Hood, and Brian Wall; his great and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that my colleagues will join me in honoring Lester E. Wright, Sr. for his leadership and dedication to his community and our Nation. ____________________