Floor SpeechNeutral2024-12-17

RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS COOLIDGE

Context

On 2024-12-17, Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-3) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS COOLIDGE" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [House] [Page H7246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS COOLIDGE (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phyllis Coolidge and the thousands of Nebraskans among America's 6 million Rosie the Riveters, who earlier this year were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their role in achieving victory in the Second World War as members of our Nation's workforce. At 19 years old, Phyllis Coolidge began working at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant near Grand Island, Nebraska, which employed some 15,000 workers between 1942 and 1945. Reflecting on her experience, Phyllis said: I just went to work. It was something we were doing for the war effort. Even her 59-year-old mother worked alongside her, a testament to the extraordinary willingness of Nebraskans to do their patriotic duty. A resident of McCook, Nebraska, Phyllis is now 102 years of age, and her irrepressible can-do attitude is a prime example of the unity and resolve of the American people during one of the most challenging times in our Nation's history. Recently, in one of the most meaningful moments of my time here in Congress, I had the privilege of presenting a gold coin to her, thanking her, and introducing her to my own family. From the vital impact of our Rosie the Riveters to the monumental volunteerism of the North Platte Canteen, doing our part was at the heart of Nebraska's rich history of home-front contributions to the war effort. Nebraskans understood that, as Americans, we are all in this together, and so many volunteers answered the call. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS COOLIDGE Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)] [House] [Page H7246] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PHYLLIS COOLIDGE (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phyllis Coolidge and the thousands of Nebraskans among America's 6 million Rosie the Riveters, who earlier this year were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their role in achieving victory in the Second World War as members of our Nation's workforce. At 19 years old, Phyllis Coolidge began working at the Cornhusker Army Ammunition Plant near Grand Island, Nebraska, which employed some 15,000 workers between 1942 and 1945. Reflecting on her experience, Phyllis said: I just went to work. It was something we were doing for the war effort. Even her 59-year-old mother worked alongside her, a testament to the extraordinary willingness of Nebraskans to do their patriotic duty. A resident of McCook, Nebraska, Phyllis is now 102 years of age, and her irrepressible can-do attitude is a prime example of the unity and resolve of the American people during one of the most challenging times in our Nation's history. Recently, in one of the most meaningful moments of my time here in Congress, I had the privilege of presenting a gold coin to her, thanking her, and introducing her to my own family. From the vital impact of our Rosie the Riveters to the monumental volunteerism of the North Platte Canteen, doing our part was at the heart of Nebraska's rich history of home-front contributions to the war effort. Nebraskans understood that, as Americans, we are all in this together, and so many volunteers answered the call. ____________________