Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Mr. Fred Randle. Mr. Randle was a longtime Hot Springs resident who was part of Merrill's Marauders during World War II. Merrill's Marauders were U.S. soldiers who fought in the Pacific Theater, using jungle warfare techniques to penetrate deep behind enemy lines. In just 5 months, the Marauders advanced 720 miles through some of the harshest jungle terrain in the world. Upon return, each man in the unit was awarded a Bronze Star. Mr. Randle's book, ``Hell on Land, Disaster at Sea--the Story of Merrill's Marauders and the Sinking of the Rhona,'' described his experience watching the sinking of this ship in 1943. He was one of a handful of men with the Marauders who had been sworn to secrecy about the sinking for 57 years, since it was caused by the world's first guided missile. Mr. Randle passed away at the age of 97 on November 23, 2020. But before he did, we were able to contact him and his family and let them know that a Congressional Gold Medal will be placed in the Smithsonian in his honor. Perhaps there is no better tribute to his life than in the words of his family, He loved the Lord and he loved the United States flag. ____________________”