Madam President, I would also today like to take a few minutes to recognize two great Delawareans. First, I’d like to recognize Harry Gravell.
Right now, in Wilmington, Delaware, friends are coming together to celebrate Harry, who is retiring from his long leadership role at the Delaware Building Trades after a lifetime dedicated to workers and our nation.
I first got to know him in my service on County Council in New Castle County, where he gave me very helpful, very insightful advice and was a constant source of encouragement and support.
Don’t get me wrong; he didn’t always agree with me, he didn’t always support me. With Harry, you got the straight shot, you got the exactly what he thought, and nothing less.
You always know where he stood, even if he disagreed with you. He’s transparent. He’s honest. And you know why he believes what he believes.
He’s not only a great friend, but a great father. We were both honored in 2012 by the Delaware Diabetes Association as Fathers of the Year and Harry’s the proud father of two – Jayme and Dee – and grandfather of three –Makayla, Avery, and Lily.
Harry’s life story is one of determination and service. He never gives up, especially when he puts his mind to something.
From an early age, he knew the value of hard work. For High School he went to the Salesianum School, a great school in our community, and worked his way through school to make sure that he could afford a great education.
A Vietnam veteran, he served our country in wartime. And since he came home, he’s never stopped working for working families and veterans. And I was particularly proud to work with him in his role at the Sprinkler Fitters and then the Building Trades Council on Helmets to Hard Hats, on offering training and real job opportunities to returning veterans.
If you know Harry, you’ve seen his drive up close. You’ve seen him fight through thick and thin for his workers, his family, and our community.
But, perhaps the greatest example of his sheer will was his most recent fight.
He suffered a stroke a few months ago, doctors read him a long list of things he was never going to do again.
Harry scoffed. Digging in as he has his entire life, he finished his physical and occupational therapy faster than doctors thought he could.
He has just finished building a house in Lewes, and everyone who knows him I believe will agree with me that he deserves the years he’ll now get to spend in the beautiful beaches of Delaware.