KERRY L. BENTIVOLIO: “I thank the gentleman from Ohio and brother in arms for the opportunity to speak today. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather…”

“I thank the gentleman from Ohio and brother in arms for the opportunity to speak today. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather served in World War I, and my father and uncle served in the 1940s. The gentleman who lived in the house across the street from where I grew up was a former sailor in World War II. His aircraft carrier was hit by a kamikaze. Down the street a few houses, was someone who fought in the Korean war. His daughter, Cookie, gave me my first kiss. Near him lived another veteran who served on a destroyer in the Navy, and there were two men across the street from him who served together in General Patton's 3rd Army as part of the force that relieved the 101st Airborne at Bastogne. I can still see their faces. Their examples of service played a crucial role in why I served in the armed services. Our next door neighbor was Charles Parker, Sr. As a Marine in World War II, he received the Purple Heart on Iwo Jima. His son, Charles, Jr., was my best friend. When I think of Chuck, I still smile. He was the guy who stood up for the little guy. I remember one time when this big bully picked on this little kid and a fight started. Chuck rushed into action and broke up the fight. He defended the weak. Doing the right thing matters. Charles Parker's name is inscribed on the Vietnam Wall memorial, panel 40 west, line 25. He died in service to his country on October 23, 1968. Doing the right thing matters.…”