Cliff Stearns: “I also want to participate in this commemoration to our good colleague, Sam Gibbons, and I want to thank the gentlewoman…”

“I also want to participate in this commemoration to our good colleague, Sam Gibbons, and I want to thank the gentlewoman from Florida, Ms. Brown, my colleague, for setting aside this time to do this. Mr. Speaker, it came as a surprise when Sam Gibbons announced his plans to retire from Congress at the end of this year. Sam Gibbons' name has become synonymous with Florida politics. He has represented the Tampa area for the past 44 years, first venturing into politics as a State representative and then the State senate. He was sworn into Congress during the Kennedy administration and for the past 34 years has represented Tampa in the House of Representatives. When I first heard about Sam's plans to retire, I couldn't help but recall the 50th anniversary D-day invasion ceremonies that I had the privilege of attending and to which Sam Gibbons was appointed as a special representative, by President Clinton. It was indeed fitting that Mr. Gibbons was specially designated as the President's representative. Sam has a long and distinguished career in service to his country. A decorated World War II veteran, he showed extreme bravery by parachuting into Normandy the night before D-day and then made his way behind enemy lines during the Normandy invasion. After the war he returned to Florida and commenced his law practice. He then began a political career that spanned several decades.”