John Kerry: “As we near the honoring of all our Nation's veterans through the celebration of Memorial Day, I would like to bring…”

“As we near the honoring of all our Nation's veterans through the celebration of Memorial Day, I would like to bring special attention to a World War II Army veteran from Boston, MA. On Christmas Day, 1944, 1st Lt. John R. Fox volunteered to serve as an artillery forward observer in the village of Sommocolonia, in the Serchio Valley, Italy. The following morning, trapped in a church steeple, Fox radioed his command to ask for artillery fire on his own position. No one at the artillery battalion command had ever heard such a request. They radioed back for clarification. John Fox answered, 'There are hundreds of them coming. Put everything you've got on my observation post.' Mr. President, this is one of the most incredible acts of heroism about which I have ever heard. John Fox literally made the decision to sacrifice his life for his country. He has, along with six other African American soldiers from World War II, been nominated for our Nation's highest honor, the Medal of Honor. I would like to pay tribute here not only to Lieutenant Fox, but to all black veterans from all American wars. Our great country will always be in debt to all the men and women who have given or risked their lives for the preservation of freedom. It is long past time that we properly honor those whose remarkable patriotism and sacrifices have not previously received the respect and attention they deserve.”