Cassidy Delivers Floor Speech Celebrating Louisiana Veteran’s 102nd Birthday

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor recognizing Mary Nugent, a Louisiana World War II U.S. Navy veteran, who turned 102 years old this month. Cassidy reflected on Mary's life of service and devotion to God, her country, and her community.

"I'm told Mrs. Nugent still greets people with a warm smile and has a deep appreciation for nature. Perhaps her habit of looking for the good in everything and everyone is the secret to a long life," said Dr. Cassidy.

"Mary, thank you for your service to our country and state-you've made Louisiana and our country a better place for 102 years. You inspire, you bless, you make Louisiana proud. Happy birthday!" concluded Dr. Cassidy.

Cassidy's remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

Mr. President, I want to recognize Mary Hajek Nugent, a Louisianan who exemplifies the best of our state-hard work, service, and faith-and just turned 102 years young this month.

Born on a farm near Libuse, Louisiana, Mary has been always been a hard worker. She grew up tending vegetable gardens, a fruit orchard, and farm animals before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, building planes at a bomber plant, and serving as a parachute rigger.

After World War II, she returned to Central Louisiana and devoted her time and talents to the tuberculosis unit at Pineville Veterans Hospital. She later worked at a downtown Alexandria Veterans Affairs office, where she met her husband, Robert Nugent.

I'm told Mrs. Nugent still greets people with a warm smile and has a deep appreciation for nature. Perhaps her habit of looking for the good in everything and everyone is the secret to a long life. A long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, Mary's faith is strong, and she still wakes up every day with a smile and words of thanksgiving.

Mary, thank you for your service to our country and state-you've made Louisiana and our country a better place for 102 years. You inspire, you bless, you make Louisiana proud. Happy birthday!

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