Evan Bayh: “I rise today to honor the life of Corporal John C. Bishop of the U.S. Marine Corps and Versailles, IN. Corporal Bishop…”

“I rise today to honor the life of Corporal John C. Bishop of the U.S. Marine Corps and Versailles, IN. Corporal Bishop was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. He lost his life on September 8, 2010, while serving bravely in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was serving his third tour of duty and was 25 years old. John graduated from Southwestern Shelby High School in 2003 and immediately joined the Marines. John aspired to become a marine from a young age, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Tyson. Tyson joined the Marines in 1993, and each time he returned home, John would climb into his older brother's Marine uniform. Today, I join John's family and friends in mourning his tragic death. He is survived by his wife Cristle Bishop, who is expecting their first daughter in October; his son K'Sean Bishop; his mother Sarah Thomas; his brothers William Bishop, Mike Bishop, Anthony Thomas, Eric Thomas, Jamey Bishop, and Tyson Bishop; and his sisters Nancy Braley and Amy Parker. As we struggle to express our sorrow over this loss, we take pride in the example of this American hero. We cherish the legacy of his service and his life. As I search for words to honor this fallen soldier, I recall President Lincoln's words to the families of the fallen at Gettysburg: "We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground.…”