Political Quotes

“Mr. President, recently, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to host several veterans who survived the sinking of the USS Arizona in the attack on Pearl Harbor. I would like to briefly share an incredible story they told me about a true American hero named Joe George. On December 7, 1941, Joe was a 26-year-old Boatswain's Mate Second Class aboard the repair ship USS Vestal in Pearl Harbor, HI, moored alongside the USS Arizona. At 7:48 a.m., many sailors, including Joe, had finished their breakfast when the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service attacked Pearl Harbor. As we know, the Arizona suffered a direct hit by a Japanese bomb that detonated in the ship's powder magazine. The resulting explosion sank the ship and claimed the lives of 1,177 servicemembers. During the unimaginable chaos and carnage, Joe George displayed stunning composure and courage. Joe spotted six sailors trapped in the control tower of the sinking Arizona. These men were severely burned, and they were searching for a way to safety. The six wounded sailors were Seaman First Class Harold Kuhn, Seaman First Class Russell Lott, Gunner's Mate Third Class Earl Riner, Boatswain's Mate Second Class Alvin Dvorak, Seaman First Class Donald Stratton, and Fire Controlman Third Class Lauren Bruner. Upon seeing the men, Joe threw a heaving line between the Vestal and the Arizona to rescue the wounded sailors from the sinking ship.…”