‘Always Ready’ to Serve our Veterans

Congressman Reminds Constituents of Veterans’ Services

June 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) took to the floor Tuesday to share the story of World War II Coast Guard veteran, Edward Plath. As a constituent service, Fitzpatrick’s office assisted the family of Mr. Plath in securing a burial at sea with full military honors.

“Mr. Speaker, the motto of the United States Coast Guard is ‘Semper Paratus’ – ‘Always Ready’ – and throughout its history, the members of our Coast Guard have stood ready to protect our homeland from all threats.

I rise today to recognize the important work of our Coast Guard – as well as its members throughout history, including those like Edward Plath.

Edward, like so many Americans of his day, answered the call to service at the onset of World War II. Despite being turned down by the Army over medical concerns, he soon joined the Coast Guard and served honorably in New Jersey, protecting the region’s coastline and its vital ports from the ever-present danger of Nazi attack.

But for Edward, the Coast Guard during the war meant more than just duty to country. It was on a blind date with a fellow sailor that he met a woman he said he’d marry. A year later they were married and for over six decades Edward and his wife lived as a loving couple and raised three daughters, including my constituent Elizabeth Donaldson.

Mr. Plath passed away in 2012, just a couple months after his wife. But on May 17th of this year, he was buried at sea with full military honors off the coast from where he served in New Jersey. I am grateful for Mr. Plath’s service to our nation and proud our team in Bucks County could assist his daughter in honoring his final wish.

Mr. Speaker, we owe a debt of gratitude to Edward Plath and all those who served - and continue to serve – and we must be ‘Always Ready’ to support them in any way we can.”

This week, as the House considers several pieces of legislation related to veteran services, Fitzpatrick’s reminds constituents that our community’s district office in Langhorne stands ready to assist veterans and their families: