December 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1207 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

HONORING THE LIFE OF PETER mittee, and as we approach the 200th anniver- Mathew Carey, George Wilson, James Wil- EDWARD JONES sary of the Greek War of Independence, it is liams, Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe, and many incumbent upon all of us to honor the legacy others. Many of these same Philhellenes HON. JIM COSTA of these women and recognize how their ac- fought in the Greek War of Independence, OF CALIFORNIA tions influenced the relationship between the some of whom lost their lives and are buried United States and Greece. there. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I have the unique privilege of representing For the deeds of heroism and valor dis- Monday, December 28, 2020 one of the largest Greek American commu- played at Missolonghi during the four years of Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to nities in the U.S. in Astoria, Queens, and I am siege by the Ottoman Empire from 1822 to honor the life of Mr. Peter Edward Jones who blessed to call many of them close friends. 1826, the city has become the ‘‘shrine’’ of the passed away on October 20, 2020. Peter was I’m especially honored that my friends in the Greek War of Independence. All nations a husband, father, and decorated veteran of Hellenic community have bestowed me with whose Philhellenes aided Greece in its cause World War II and the Korean War. the nickname ‘‘Bouboulina’’ after Laskarina have monuments in the Garden of Heroes in Peter was born on January 26, 1926 in Bouboulina, one of the many great warriors of memory of those who died in the Greek War Emmetsburg, Iowa to John and Madeline the Greek War of Independence and whose of Independence. These monuments include a Jones. He was one of five children, and was home I had the privilege of visiting in 2016. memorial erected by the Order of Sons of raised in Sacramento, California where he Bouboulina was a trailblazer in her own right Pericles, the Junior Order of AHEPA in 1939, graduated in 1943 at Grant Union High and committed herself to the cause of a free placed there by Congressional Resolution in School. With the onset of World War II, Peter and independent Greek state. memory of the American Philhellenes, which decided to join the Navy at 17 years old. He And I rise not only to honor these brave reads: ‘‘As a tribute to and in commemoration of believed that a strong commitment to service women, but also recognize the Greek people’s those patriotic Americans who, aided by the was his way of showing support for his coun- contributions to democracy, art, science, and moral and material support and assistance of try. literature, and to governments around the the entire American people, gave their serv- During his time in the military, Peter was world, including our own. ices, their fortunes, and their lives to the stationed at the South Pacific during the war As the birthplace of democracy, Greece was cause of Greek Independence in the Greek and served until 1946. From 1950 to 1951, an inspiration for the U.S. system of govern- ment. And just as Greece inspired our country, Revolutionary War of 1821.’’ Peter served in the Korean War where he Most notably, many of these American our revolution helped inspire the Greeks to re- joined in the reserves. He was honorably dis- Philhellenes included future leaders of the volt against the Ottomans. charged and decided to move to Fresno and Women’s Suffrage and Abolitionist move- When the Greek War of Independence start- in 1948, Peter married the love of his life, An- ments. toinette Catherine Caglia. They raised five ed, American Philhellenes and Greek Amer- As American women became involved in the children, Gerard, Peter, Janice, Timothy, and ican communities in the U.S. not only voiced effort, they connected the battle against Greek Richard. Antoinette and Peter were married for their support for the cause, but actively sup- slavery under the Ottoman Empire with other 67 happy years until her passing in 2015. ported their campaign. female-led reform movements and over time Peter worked for The Fresno Bee for 57 Greek Committees were formed in cities their participation grew into an international years and 3 months, served Our Lady of Vic- across the country to organize political and movement, expanding female participation in tory Church as a lector for many years and monetary support and send shiploads of hu- the public sphere for both American and even helped to build the covenant to the manitarian supplies to Greek revolutionaries. It Greek women. church. Peter lived for 95 years dedicating his may be safe to say that without the moral, in- Among the Philhellenes was Samuel Gridley life for others, his country, and loving his fam- tellectual, political, monetary and in-kind as- Howe, an American physician and prominent ily. sistance of these Americans, the outcome of Abolitionist, a member of the Secret Six, and Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the the Greek War for Independence might have an advocate of education, and education for U.S. House of Representatives to join me in been different. the blind. He took up the Greek cause after celebrating and honoring the life of Peter Ed- The ideals of freedom and democracy reso- earning a medical degree by joining the Greek ward Jones. His love for his country, family, nated for Americans who saw the plight of the army as Chief Surgeon of the Hellenic Navy and his strong faith was evident. I join his fam- Greeks suffering brutal slavery and massacres and Commander during the Greek War of ily and friends in honoring his great life. under the Ottoman Turkish oppressors. When Independence. f the bells of the Revolution rang in 1821 and Howe was married to fellow Philhellene the cry ‘‘Freedom or Death’’ rang over the Julia Rush Ward Howe, an Abolitionist and HONORING HELLENIC AND AMER- enslaved Greeks, American Philhellenes in- early leader in the Women’s Suffrage move- ICAN PHILHELLENIC WOMEN OF spired a lobbying campaign in the United ment. She’s known as the composer of the THE GREEK WAR OF INDEPEND- States for support of the Greek War of Inde- lyrics of the ‘‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’’ ENCE pendence, exciting the imaginations of many which became an anthem during the Civil War influential political and civil leaders in America. for Abolitionists, the anti-slavery movement, HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY American Philhellenes fought to help women’s suffrage activists, and was quoted by OF NEW YORK Greece win freedom from over four hundred Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the civil IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years of brutal tyranny and slavery under Otto- rights movement. man Turks. These distinguished Americans in- Emma Willard, who formed the Troy Society Monday, December 28, 2020 cluded: President Thomas Jefferson, President for the Advancement of Female Education in Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. John Adams, General Lafayette, President Greece, was one of the most outspoken advo- Madam Speaker, as co-chair and co-founder James Monroe, President John Quincy cates for the education of women. of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Adams, General Lafayette, Daniel Webster, Among America’s prominent Abolitionists Issues, I rise today to honor the heroic Hel- Henry Clay, General Sam Houston, Edward and supporters of the Underground Railroad lenic and American Philhellenic Women of the Livingston, Horace Mann, Dr. Edward Everett, were Sarah Arms Miller and her husband, Greek War of Independence, whose con- Lieutenant General George Jarvis, Colonel Colonel Johnathan P. Miller, who fought in the sequential actions helped free Greece and her Johnathan P. Miller, James L. Winthrop, Henry Greek War of Independence. He adopted a people from the yoke of the Ottoman Empire. V. Post, John D. Ross, John R. Stuyvesant, Hellenic orphan of the revolution, Lucas As a member of the East Mediterranean William A. Washington, William Townsend Miltiades Miller, who later became the first Business Culture Alliance’s American Hellenic Washington, Captain John M. Allen, Estwick Greek American to serve in the U.S. Con- Revolution Bicentennial Celebration Com- Evans, Nicholas Biddle, Charles Carroll, gress. Many children orphaned during the

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:03 Dec 29, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A28DE8.001 E28DEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS E1208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 28, 2020 Greek War of Independence became it became clear the situation was unsafe for Washington, D.C. and that was where I had adoptees and were brought to America, ulti- anyone aiding the United States. Eventually, the opportunity to really get to know Bernie. I mately becoming prominent American citizens, Dang and part of his family, were sponsored can distinctly remember the first part of our scholars, and members of the armed services. by Hatcher Memorial Baptist Church and exchange when he visited the office. I would And James Williams, an African American moved to Richmond, Virginia in 1977, before say ‘‘how are you doing Bernie’’ and his reply, slave from Baltimore, joined the Greek revolu- settling in Merced, California. Once they set- without fail, was ‘‘terrible, Rosa . . . just ter- tionaries and fought for Greece’s freedom dur- tled in Merced, Dang attended college, and rible’’—but his slight smile gave him away ing the Battle of Navarino and was buried worked at Del Monte Farms. every time. In the near decade that he spent there in honor of his efforts. Dang and his wife opened their first busi- on the Hill, Bernie earned the respect of Mem- Trailblazers like Bouboulina, Willard, and ness, the first Hmong grocery store in Merced, bers from both sides of the aisle, because he Miller—who toppled their oppressors, de- Moua Oriental Market, followed by the first was straight-forward and genuine—when he manded equality, and fought to enact change Hmong farm and slaughterhouse, Moua’s Hog spoke, he just gave you the plain truth about to benefit future generations of women—in- Slaughter Farm and Moua’s Cattle Farm in how an issue would impact working people. spire my work in Congress every day. Livingston, California. His success and influ- Bernie’s contributions also extended far be- The example set by Hellenic and American ence in the community reached political fig- yond his work on behalf of the UAW and its Philhellenic women during the Greek War of ures, Hmong community, and many individ- members. In his lifetime, he was a cub scout Independence exemplifies the U.S.-Greece re- uals. master, a Southington Band Backer, a trustee lationship that thrives to this day. It is because Dang will be remembered in the community for the Southington Elks, a member of the of our historic friendship, and shared commit- for helping others, his work in establishing the Southington Democratic Town Committee, and ment to liberal democratic values, that the nonprofit organization Merced Lao Family Inc., a board member of several organizations in- U.S. and Greece continue to work on so many filling a void for Hmong businesses in Merced cluding Catholic Family Services, the United issues that have a profound effect on the County, and being a role model to so many. Labor Agency, and the New Britain United world. He was a leader and a caring individual that Way. In his retirement, he served as President After generations of oppression, Greece’s will be remembered by all who had the pleas- of the UAW Local 133 retiree chapter as well freedom was hard-fought, and the Republic of ure to work with him. as an active member of the Connecticut Alli- Greece has become a shining example of de- Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join ance of Retired Americans. He helped to es- mocracy to the world. Greece and the Greek me in honoring the life of Dang Moua. His tablish the Connecticut Citizens Action Group people are such critical allies and dear friends commitment to the community of Merced and served on its Board of Directors for many of the United States and I’m very proud to rise County has left a lasting impact on many. I years. His good work and compassion today in honor of the brave Hellenic and join his family and friends in honoring his great touched countless lives and his commitment to American Philhellenic women who played a life. community and service should serve as a pivotal role in securing the independence that f model for us all. Greece and her people celebrate to this day. I, like so many others, consider myself fortu- HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY f nate to not only have known Bernard ‘‘Bernie’’ OF BERNARD ‘‘BERNIE’’ MCKINNON McKinnon, but to have called him my friend. I HONORING THE LIFE OF FAIV extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, NTAJ MUAS (DANG MOUA) HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO Judie; his children, Ken, Lisa, and Jill; his OF CONNECTICUT grandchildren, and great-granddaughter as HON. JIM COSTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES well as his many family, friends and col- OF CALIFORNIA Monday, December 28, 2020 leagues at this difficult time. Though he was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES taken suddenly and much too soon, his is a Ms. DELAURO. Madam Speaker, it is with a Monday, December 28, 2020 life and legacy that will most certainly serve as heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an inspiration to many. Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to a dear friend and labor leader, Bernard ‘‘Ber- f honor the life of Mr. Faiv Ntaj Muas (Dang nie’’ McKinnon, who we recently lost unex- Moua), who passed away on October 13, pectedly. Bernie was a wonderful friend, col- HONORING THE LIFE OF GERARD 2020 at the age of 71. Dang was a longtime league, and mentor to many, and he will be LOZANO Merced County business owner and an active deeply missed by all of those fortunate member of the Hmong community. enough to have known him. HON. JIM COSTA Dang was born on April 12, 1949 in the war- Bernie grew up in Caribou, Maine, along OF CALIFORNIA torn country of Laos to Muas Paj Cai and with his five siblings, before the family moved IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ntxhais Lauj. Dang was the second of three to Connecticut. Upon his graduation from high sons, and had an elder half-brother, five sis- school, he joined his parents, as well as the Monday, December 28, 2020 ters, four half-brothers, and two half-sisters. United Autoworkers of America, when he Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Although Dang faced a difficult childhood, he began working at Fafnir Bearing. From the honor the life of longtime Fresnan Gerard always had a heart for service and helping very beginning, Bernie was a dedicated mem- Lozano, who passed away on October 1, others. After completing grade school, he at- ber of UAW, and it was his passion for fair- 2020. He was a proud husband, community tended college near a hospital that treated in- ness and justice that led to his eventual career leader and friend. jured soldiers. Over time, Dang’s soft-spoken with the labor organization. He worked his way Gerard was born on May 11, 1970 in Fres- demeanor was recognized by his peers and through the ranks of his local union, eventually no, California. He grew up with four brothers, he was hand-picked as a leader by the becoming a long-time Local 133 President. He his father Michael, and mother Dolores. He at- Hmong community to provide guidance to fel- was later elected UAW Region 9A CAP Presi- tended Our Lady of Victory Elementary School low students. dent and then CAP Director, where he took on and graduated from San Joaquin Memorial As the war continued, Dang and his fellow the responsibility of ensuring that the voices of High School. Gerard was known for being students were no longer safe at their school, UAW members were heard throughout the hall kind, always happy and caring. He had a His quick thinking allowed opportunity for him of state legislatures throughout New England. strong faith and was a genuine leader by ex- to save nine people out of Samthong, where Bernie was also a mentor to many in Con- ample. the enemy soldiers were approaching. Their necticut’s labor movement, often sought after These qualities continued throughout his life journey led them through the mountains, and for advice and guidance in navigating the nu- and during his career. Gerard began his ca- numerous towns to seek shelter until they ances of the state’s General Assembly and reer as the Governmental Affairs Director for were finally safe. the best ways in which to ensure that their the Fresno Association of REALTORS inter- In 1971, Dang married the love of his life, legislative agendas were heard. He was also acting with many people in the community and Paj Lis and began training with the United at the forefront of mobilizing UAW political ac- legislative representatives in the Central Val- States Agency for International Development tivity in local, state, and federal elections, or- ley. (USAID) and was recruited by the United ganizing volunteers and the activities in which My office and myself, had the pleasure of States Embassy to work in USAID until 1975. they would participate. working alongside Gerard for many years. He In April of 1975, part of Dang’s family moved It was in 1991 that Bernie was recruited to was always a knowledgeable and professional to a refugee camp in Thailand for safety, after work as a legislative activist for the UAW in individual, willing to help for the community in

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