Brian Bilbray: “this week, there is a man named Sam Walker who passed a way in Picayune, Mississippi, GENE TAYLOR'S district. This man…”

“this week, there is a man named Sam Walker who passed a way in Picayune, Mississippi, GENE TAYLOR'S district. This man had moved from Nebraska down into the deep South and found his bride in New Orleans. He served in the United States Navy; and, as he didn't always remind his family, he had a destroyer shot out from under him during World War II. He settled down in Mississippi, and was called back into service as a reservist during the missile crisis in Cuba. This man had served his community in many ways, but he was truly the salt of the Earth. He was a man who worked with his hands, a member of the Plumber's Union, and somebody who had served his country as a civilian and active duty military. It is sad for me to ask that this body forgive that I will not be here tomorrow or Saturday, because I feel it is my obligation to be there for his wake and funeral. Sam Walker was a great American, a great father, and a great father- in-law. I think we should all remember the Sam Walkers all over this country that have served, that have been there. Sadly, the time has come for us to say good-bye and let him pass.”