1999CRE114C IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY ``TONY'' DeMARINIS OF GROTON, CONNECTICUT
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[Congressional Record: February 2, 1999 (Extensions)]
[Page E114-E115]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr02fe99-49]
IN MEMORY OF ANTHONY ``TONY'' DeMARINIS OF GROTON, CONNECTICUT
______
HON. SAM GEJDENSON
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 2, 1999
Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise with sadness to memorialize
Anthony ``Tony'' DeMarinis of Gorton, Connecticut. Mr. DeMarinis, who
passed a way on January 25, was a true American hero--a career Army
officer, a public servant and a great human being. He will be sorely
missed by his family, friends and citizens from across southeastern
Connecticut.
Tony DeMarinis served in the United States Army for 32 years before
retiring in 1972 with the rank of Captain. He enlisted in 1940 and
served in 14 campaigns during World War II. He was wounded in battle
and received a battlefield commission. Tony helped the United States
prevail in the greatest test of good versus evil the world has ever
known and played a role in freeing my family from the terror of the
Holocaust. Tony served in the Korean conflict where he received yet
another battlefield commission elevating him to the rank of Captain. In
another selfless act on behalf of his country, Tony volunteered to
serve with the First Army Division--known as the ``Big Red One''--in
Vietnam. Throughout his distinguished military career, Tony received
many honors and decorations, including the Bronze Star and Purple
Heart.
After retiring from the Army, Tony continued to serve the public. He
was elected to three terms as City Clerk of Groton in the 1980s. In
this position, Tony did much more than merely perform administrative
duties. He worked each and every day to build pride in the community.
One of his most lasting achievements in this regard was securing a
large mural depicting the Battle of Groton Heights, the only major
battle of the Revolutionary War fought in Connecticut, for display in
City Hall. This engagement occurred in Groton and resulted in the
massacre of almost every single soldier at Fort Griswold due to the
treachery of Benedict Arnold. Tony DeMarinis was instrumental in
ensuring the City of Groton received this important part of its
history.
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Mr. Speaker, Tony DeMarinis was a public servant of the highest
order. He served his country in the Army for three decades. He served
the City of Groton as City Clerk. He did so unselfishly and with
boundless enthusiasm and pride. Tony DeMarinis embodied all of the best
qualities of America--service, patriotism and pride in community. I
extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
____________________