On the recordFebruary 8, 2011
Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the passing of our dear colleague Congressman Jack Murtha of Pennsylvania. I rise to pay tribute to him. He was a giant of this Chamber, a legislator of unsurpassed talents, a soldier of extraordinary courage, a political servant, a public servant to the end. Those of us who served with him were honored to call him 'colleague.' Those of us in this body, many of us, were privileged to call him 'friend.' Colleague and friend. The outpouring of accolades that came forward at his passing was something quite remarkable, and I hope that it was a comfort and has been a comfort to his family. Certainly to those of us who worked with him, who knew his love of his district, who remember the way he held court in the Pennsylvania corner and gave out his blessing and his advice, Jack Murtha's wisdom, counsel, and knowledge will continue to inspire us all. To watch Jack Murtha legislate was to see a master at work. But more indicative of his character was to watch him communicate with our men and women in uniform, whether near the battlefield or at their bedside. He thanked them for their courage and listened to their concerns. He always answered their needs, responding to their calls for body armor, up-armored vehicles, and reliable radios, among other things. In those moments, he bonded with them based on his own personal military experiences. He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart himself.
