Wayne Gilchrest: “Jerry, I guess some decades ago when you occasionally were barely able to hold up your M-1 rifle because you were…”

“Jerry, I guess some decades ago when you occasionally were barely able to hold up your M-1 rifle because you were holding it for hours in the rain with sand fleas on that glorious place called Paris Island you did not really dream of serving your Nation in this capacity as an U.S. Member of Congress. But those early days on Paris Island gave you a sense of pride, not pride in yourself, but pride in America, and your presence here on the House floor has lifted us up with your pride because your pride comes from your love of your country, your love of your colleagues, and so that gift that you have given to us has been enormous. I heard one time, Jerry, from a Marine that there are five words that make up a person's life, and you really are the epitome of those things when someone gets to know you personally, and that is humility, commitment, compassion, faith and love. And that is being American, Jerry, and you have given us quite a gift. So we salute you. Semper fi.”