Kevin Roberts: “I rise today in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps as it celebrates 236 years of sacrifice and service to this great Nation.…”

“I rise today in honor of the U.S. Marine Corps as it celebrates 236 years of sacrifice and service to this great Nation. In the spirit of a true marine, ooo-rah and happy birthday. This week, it is fitting that our great and deliberate body, the Senate, passed a bill to honor and revere the Montford Point marines, the first African Americans to serve in our Corps. Last night, the Senate passed legislation to award the Montford Point marines the Congressional Gold Medal. I can think of no better way to honor these gentleman, most of whom are now in their nineties, for being a part of our Nation's history during a difficult time, both abroad and at home. In 1942, the U.S. Marine Corps opened its doors for African Americans to play a role in combat. Unfortunately, these men were not trained where marines before them had done so. Instead, from 1942 to 1949, the Corps trained Black marines at Montford Point Camp in North Carolina. Like true marines, even with segregated training, these men fought shoulder to shoulder next to every marine in World War II. Their actions were significant during our campaign in the Pacific. Their service to the Corps is now a significant thread in its history. The Marine Corps extols the virtues of courage, intelligence, integrity, and leadership. I am proud that the spirit of the Corps resonated in every one of these marines, even in a time of great inequality. In theater, a marine is a marine.…”