RECOGNIZING ANNA AMERICA LaROSA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

RECOGNIZING ANNA AMERICA LaROSA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E125] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING ANNA AMERICA LaROSA'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. BRIAN K. FITZPATRICK of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Thursday, February 13, 2025 Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ann Laughlin, an outstanding constituent from my district who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Born on January 13, 1925, in the Bronx, New York, Ann's parents had recently arrived in the United States from Italy. As was the custom of her family, being the first-born daughter, she was named Anna, followed by the country of birth: Anna America LaRosa. Ann had one brother, Jack, and the family eventually settled in Bucks County. Ann's father, Frank, was forever grateful for the freedom and opportunities he found in America. He loved this country and passed along that love to Ann, who proudly flew an American flag from her Doylestown balcony for many years. Ann learned important life lessons from her father during their many weekend excursions around New York City. He taught her compassion and an understanding of others, which are evident in the fine person she is today. Ann graduated from Trenton High School and soon began working in Philadelphia where she met her husband, Hodge. On March 26, 1949, they eloped, beginning their life together. Their first home was in Philadelphia where their son Richard was born. In 1958, they moved to Levittown, Pennsylvania where they formed many lifelong friendships. Ann has two grandchildren, Scott and Madeline. Ann loves to exchange photos and texts messages with her family and many friends. She is an avid reader of biographies and the newspaper, and she loves to watch old movies; both are habits she learned from her father. As we celebrate her 100 years of life, we are grateful for the wonderful example of how to live life that she has shown to all who know her. ____________________