Political Quotes

“It is an honor today to tell you about one really good man. He was born in Pilson, Kansas, and later became an ordained priest in Wichita in 1940. This very good man, a fellow named Emil Kapaun, served as a military chaplain during World War II and again in September 1948, this time entering the Korean battlefield with his unit, the 3rd Battalion of the 8th Cavalry Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division. There we saw what comes of a good man when placed in dangerous times. Father Kapaun became a hero. He died after saving hundreds of lives on the battlefield and in a prisoner of war camp, having dedicated himself to the physical and spiritual health of his fellow prisoners for a very long time. Tomorrow, President Obama will bestow upon Father Kapaun, this very good man, the Medal of Honor, America's highest military honor. I want to take this moment to recognize his fellow POWs who never wavered in an effort to secure this medal for Father Kapaun, to the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, and everyone else who has worked so hard for this recognition. Finally, I want to thank the fellow Members of this body who supported my provision in the NDAA to allow a waiver for the statutory time exception so that he could receive this award. Father Kapaun is a true American hero, a hero of mankind and so deserving of this Medal of Honor. ____________________”