Karen Thurman: “today, we are coming to the floor to honor one of the true giants of the House of Representatives, Sam Gibbons of…”

“today, we are coming to the floor to honor one of the true giants of the House of Representatives, Sam Gibbons of Florida. Mr. Speaker, our society often laments the shortage of heroes and positive role models for young people in America. You don't need to look further than Sam Gibbons to find both. For more than 44 years, Sam Gibbons has sacrificed for his country and represented his fellow citizens honestly and faithfully on both the State and Federal level. He has played an important role in some of the most significant events of the century, from the D-day invasion to the creation of Medicare and Head Start. Mr. Speaker, the accomplishments of Sam Gibbons are the accomplishments of America. Sam went about doing great things with very little fanfare, and a large dose of humility. Every American living today and those not yet born will live longer, healthier, and more productive lives because of the quiet excellence of Congressman Sam Gibbons. Mr. Speaker, Sam Gibbons established himself as a leader early in life. More than 50 years ago, Sam Gibbons was a skinny 24-year-old captain in the 501st Parachute Infantry. In the dark, pre-dawn 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 machine gun fire and behind German lines near Normandy, France.”