Jimmy Panetta: “I was a Navy officer. I am sure that was on purpose. So standing here actually as a Navy officer, being asked to address…”

“I was a Navy officer. I am sure that was on purpose. So standing here actually as a Navy officer, being asked to address this bill, H.R. 873, and to support this bill, being asked by a bunch of marines is a true honor, and it is very humbling at the same time. Mr. Speaker, I do rise in support of H.R. 873, the Global War on Terrorism War Memorial Act, to create the foundation, which will then provide for the Global War on Terrorism Memorial right here on the National Mall. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Gallego from Arizona; Mr. Moulton from Massachusetts; and, of course, Mr. Gallagher from Wisconsin, my classmate here in the 115th Congress, a fellow freshman. Again, it is quite a privilege to stand here with these fellow veterans as peers, but also as a true sign of bipartisanship in the House of Representatives. Now, I had remarks prepared yesterday to address the House about this topic, but last night I went to Arlington National Cemetery. I took my two daughters, who are here in town. We saw what people normally see, the changing of the guard, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the tomb of President Kennedy. But I made it a point to go to area 60, the area where there are many recent interments from the people, from our veterans, from our brethren, who have served in the global war on terrorism. On that hallowed ground, I made it a point to seek out someone I served with, a gentleman by the name of Brendan Looney. I served with Mr. Looney in Korea.…”