Political Quotes

“I thank the distinguished gentleman from Oregon for yielding, for his support, and for his leadership, as well as to Mr. Young. Mr. Speaker, the Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument pays homage to American Revolutionary War heroes and patriots who lost their lives while fighting for our Nation's independence. This structure was first erected in 1908 to memorialize and contain the remains of 11,500 patriots from the Revolutionary War who died while in British custody on ships anchored in the East River, immediately adjacent to Brooklyn, New York. The British maintained approximately 16 prison ships during the war, which became necessary after the limited land-based prison space reached capacity shortly after New York City fell to the British in August of 1776. These prisoners of war were housed in inhumane conditions; disease was rampant; and food and water were scarce. Each ship typically contained more than 1,000 men and boys. More Americans died in British captivity than in all of the battles of the Revolutionary War combined. Many perished on these prison ships. The deceased represent patriots from all Thirteen Colonies and of more than a dozen nationalities. Accordingly, this is one of the only international war monuments in the world. The individuals housed on the prison ships could have obtained their freedom had they acceded to requests to join the British forces. However, very few opted to save their own lives, instead believing in the promise of America.…”