Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to two courageous young men, Army Private William ``Andy'' Long and Private Quinton ``EZ'' Ezeagwula. On June 1, 2009, these soldiers were the target of a terrorist attack at a military recruiting station in my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, which, tragically, Andy Long did not survive. Last Wednesday, in an emotional ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol and after a wait of 6 years, these two soldiers were finally awarded the Purple Heart Medals they deserved. I was privileged to be present as EZ and the family of Andy Long received the recognition they deserve for their sacrifice to our Nation. Andy's father, Daris Long, put it best at the ceremony when he stated that this was never just about Purple Hearts. ``It was about accurately identifying what really happened in Little Rock and at Fort Hood. These acts were not simply a drive-by shooting or workplace violence. They were terrorist attacks on our servicemembers in our own land.'' I am truly appreciative of the work of our entire congressional delegation, both past and present, whose tireless efforts over the past 6 years ensured the sacrifice of these young men has been fully recognized and honored. ____________________”