Political Quotes

“Mr. President, last month I spoke here about an amazing story I was told when I had the opportunity to host several veterans who survived the sinking of the USS Arizona during the attack on Pearl Harbor. They recalled to me the incredible story of a true American hero named Joe George, and I would like to briefly remind everyone of that story now. 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. That morning, the Vestal was moored alongside the USS Arizona. At 7:48 a.m., many sailors, including Joe, had just 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 servicemen. During this unimaginable chaos and carnage, Joe George displayed stunning composure and courage. Joe spotted six sailors trapped in the control tower of the sinking USS Arizona. These men were severely burned and were searching for a way to safety. Those 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 Dvork, Seaman First Class Donald Stratton, and Fire Controlman Third Class Lauren Bruner.…”