Karen Thurman: “my esteemed colleague from Florida, Congressman Sam Gibbons, established himself as a leader early in life. Just 50…”

“my esteemed colleague from Florida, Congressman Sam Gibbons, established himself as a leader early in life. Just 50 years ago, Sam Gibbons was a skinny 24-year-old captain in the 501st Parachute Infantry. In the dark, predawn hours of June 6, Sam began the long and treacherous campaign to wrest control of Europe from Hitler's iron grasp by parachuting through thick machinegun fire and behind German lines near Normandy, France. Realizing he was alone and miles from his planned drop point, Sam nonetheless quickly determined his position, picked up other Americans along the way, and carried out his mission to capture French towns and prevent reinforcements from reaching German troops battling the Allied invasion at Normandy. Mr. Chairman, Sam Gibbons helped D-day succeed by carrying out his mission. I am proud to call Sam Gibbons my friend. I can think of no one better, Mr. Chairman, to guide this House through the minefields of health care reform than the man who began the defeat of the Nazi war machine in the dark skies over France 50 years ago.”