Political Quotes

“I am very pleased to join my colleagues in supporting H.R. 2422. Without a doubt, Sergeant Angel Mendez was a very courageous young man. He gave a lot for his country, and he certainly deserves this rich honor. The measure before us was introduced by Representative Michael Grimm on July 6, 2011. It has been co-sponsored by all members of the New York delegation and was reported favorably to the House by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on November 3, 2011. This legislation commemorates the bravery and the sacrifice of Sergeant Angel Mendez. As a child, Sergeant Mendez was raised in an orphanage on Staten Island. Upon his graduation from high school in 1964, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his service with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, Sergeant Mendez was sent to Vietnam. While on a search and destroy mission on March 16, 1967, Mendez and his company were ambushed by the Viet Cong, and his platoon's lieutenant was injured in a rice paddy some 100 yards away from where Sergeant Mendez was exchanging fire with the enemy. Sergeant Mendez rushed to his lieutenant's aid and shielded him with his own body as he dressed his wounds. While in the process of carrying his lieutenant to safety, Sergeant Mendez was shot twice and suffered a fatal wound. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death in battle. Mr. Speaker, H.R.…”