Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 241 American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on October 23, 1983, 41 years ago, in Beirut, Lebanon. For my family and so many families, this day is deeply emotional. When I enlisted in 1979 as a young man, I wanted to serve and be part of something bigger. That led me to the United States Marine Corps. Like every marine, I took an oath to God, to country, and to the corps. Semper Fidelis is not just a slogan or creed. For every marine, it is a way of life. Only those who have earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor can fully understand the faith and loyalty instilled in us in the Marine Corps. Semper Fidelis is part of the very fabric of every marine, past and present. I served as the first lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines. In 1983, my battalion was ordered to Beirut, Lebanon, in support of the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and the 24th Marine Amphibious Unit. I vividly remember the evenings we sat on the roof of the Marine barracks with the American flag flying over our heads. The nearby barrage of small armed gunfire and mortar rounds made it very clear that we were in harm's way. On that terrible day 41 years ago, a terrorist affiliated with Hezbollah and Hamas, financed by Iran, drove a truck bomb into the barracks we called home. Mr. Speaker, 241 American servicemen were killed, 220 of which were my fellow marines, 241 sons, brothers, fathers, and friends, the heroes who never returned home. Mr.…”