E1550 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 18, 2012 

Perhaps no greater service in size and 

scope has been witnessed in our nation’s remarkable naval history than that of our Pacific 

Fleet in World War II. The Pacific theater of 

war on the high seas and islands called for 

extraordinary men and women of the highest 

caliber and perseverance. 

Today, it is my great privilege and honor to 

recognize the crew of one ship in the Pacific 

Fleet, which made an immortal mark in naval 

history and the preservation of liberty. The 

crew members of the USS West Virginia will 

gather one more time, perhaps for the last 

time, in my State of West Virginia at the end 

of September this year. West Virginians welcome these sons of our namesake ship. 

Since at least 1955, they have met in reunion, to warm old friendships and forge new 

ones. They bring their wives and enjoy venues 

around the country, though we know the upcoming West Virginia reunion will hold a particularly warm place in their hearts. They revel 

in the ‘‘Wee Vee’s’’ history and those who 

served aboard her. They enjoy swapping stories still fresh in their now well-seasoned 

memories. 

But beyond the camaraderie, the chance to 

flesh out new histories of their venerable voyages and ensuing battles, and the opportunity 

to trip the light fantastic once more with an inviting dinner dance, there is an ancient noble 

cause these brave American souls continue to 

answer with humility, dignity and honor. 

They continue their commitment to serve 

our nation by recording and sharing their legacy aboard the USS West Virginia on their 

website and in their newsletters, thus illuminating lessons for ensuing generations who 

can certainly benefit from them tremendously. 

Through the decades, what has become a 

labor of love for their membership is, in truth, 

the life blood of our Republic for the rest of us. 

If only we will listen and learn. 

I ask my colleagues and countrymen to visit 

their web page at www.usswestvirginia.org to 

witness the first-hand accounts of the life 

aboard the West Virginia—the guts and glory, 

the courage and valor of battles exhibited by 

those who served aboard this ship. A ship that 

was resurrected from the depths of Pearl Harbor to serve in the battles at Midway, Leyte 

Gulf, Surigao Straits, Mindoro Island, Lingayen 

Gulf, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. 

Today, as a nation, we commend these distinguished seamen, these dedicated sailors for 

their service and their sacrifice and that of 

their fallen brothers in battle and over the decades. Let their experiences guide our purpose 

and path as we face the future. 

Mr. Speaker, where would this nation be 

without such men as these? We humbly thank 

the Almighty for sharing them with us. 

I am happy to report that on September 

30th, the USS West Virginia reunion will travel 

to my hometown of Beckley, West Virginia, to 

witness a true wonder of American Naval history. They will tour the Raleigh County Veterans Museum and inspect a magnificent, 

half-ton scale model of the USS West Virginia. 

The replica’s master designer, architect and 

builder is none other than our own, Jim Toler, 

who has dedicated seventeen years of his 

time and talent to complete this unique homage to a ship and its sailors. Jim’s outstanding 

service and dedication in preserving our veterans’ heritage stand as a sterling monument 

in its own right. We are truly blessed by his 

many good works on behalf of so many others. 

Mr. Speaker, I close with lyrics adopted for 

the Naval Hymn. They reflect the prayers of a 

grateful nation for those of our greatest generation, who once and forever more serve a 

ship named, the West Virginia: 

‘‘O Father, King of earth and sea, 

We dedicate this ship to thee. 

In faith we send her on her way; 

In faith to thee we humbly pray: 

O hear from heaven our sailor’s cry 

And watch and guard her from on high! 

‘‘And when at length her course is run, 

Her work for home and country done, 

Of all the souls that in her sailed 

Let not one life in thee have failed; 

But hear from heaven our sailor’s cry, 

And grant eternal life on high!’’ 

f 

CELEBRATING HER MAJESTY 

QUEEN ELIZABETH II ON THE 

OCCASION OF HER JUBILEE 

HON. JAMES A. HIMES OF CONNECTICUT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Tuesday, September 18, 2012 

Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, recently I was 

asked by a resident of Connecticut’s Fourth 

Congressional District to enter into the 

RECORD a letter from Ambassador Joseph 

Verner Reed to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 

II on the occasion of her Jubilee. 

GREENWICH, CT, 

June 12, 2012. 

YOUR MAJESTY, Congratulations on Your 

Diamond Jubilee! 

I put pen to paper to send You these few 

lines. We watched every frame of the Jubilee—every ‘moving part’ was superb. You 

looked so elegant as did Prince Philip. And, 

The ‘Young’ have won the hearts of millions! 

I salute You for the magnificent job You 

have done and accomplished over the many 

decades of Your Reign. Your wisdom is these 

changing times is admirable, 

Both Mrs. Reed and I have the most wonderful memories of Your State Visit to the 

US of A (May, 1991) when I served a Chief of 

Protocol of The White House. We were 

thrilled to be Your traveling hosts to Florida 

and Texas. Your Team was ‘the best’ led by 

Lord Airlie. 

It was yours truly who was responsible for 

the ‘protocol gaffe’ of ‘The Talking Hat’ at 

the Welcome Ceremony on the South Lawn. 

Wherever I go on Mission for the United 

Nations to the nations of the Commonwealth 

I can start up a warm conversation with the 

history of ‘‘The Talking Hat’. 

You said it all when You kindly asked me 

to join You on the Britannia in Cyprus during 

a Commonwealth meeting—When I arrived 

You pointed at me and said’ ‘‘You should 

have ‘The Talking Hat’ on your tombstone’’! 

We hope and pray that the Duke of Edinburgh regains full health, 

With respect, admiration and every good 

wish. 

Long May You Reign! 

JOSEPH VERNER REED. 

GREENWICH, CT 

June 12, 2012. 

DEAR MR. GEIDT, I hope you have recovered 

from the Jubilee! 

I appreciate Her Majesty must be inundated with messages and correspondence in 

connection with the Jubilee. I hesitated to 

write to Her Majesty but, was so overwhelmed with the Jubilee events that I could 

not resist sending Her Majesty these few 

lines. 

Mrs. Reed and 1 think that Her Majesty 

and Prince Philip have accomplished the 

most wonderful job during Her Reign. 

We will always be mindful of the fabulous 

ten days we spent steering Her Majesty’s 

Team during Her State Visit to the US of A 

in the Spring of 1991. Of course, ‘The Talking 

Hat’ at the Welcome ceremony at The White 

House was a protocol fiasco which is still 

talked about in Federal City. Barbara (Mrs. 

Bush) has never forgiven me! Her Majesty 

won the hearts of all of Washington when the 

day after the ‘‘gaffe’’ Her Majesty came to 

the Rostrum of the House of Representatives 

and looked out across the jammed Chamber 

and in a distinct magisterial voice and facial 

expression said . . . 

‘I hope you can see me today!’ 

If and when things calm down and you see 

fit to have Her Majesty look over my letter 

please present it to Her. 

With special thanks and good wishes, 

JOSEPH VERNER REED. 


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