Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor World War II veteran Dennis DeGroat, Jr., who recently passed in his hometown of Port Jervis, New York, only weeks after the entire community came together to celebrate his 100th birthday and only hours after finally being pinned with a Purple Heart that had been missing and replaced from years ago. Dennis' life of service to our Nation is incredible and started in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He then went on to serve in the Army, protecting freedom and democracy for all Americans and the world on the front lines in Europe, including on the shores of Normandy and in the Battle of the Bulge, and suffering grievous injuries at the Battle of Aachen. In that battle, he nearly lost both of his legs and was told that he would never walk again, but that was no match for Dennis. He relearned to walk and never slowed down again. He came back to his home community and worked well into his 90s, and his incredible legacy of service and positivity lives on through 20 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, 19 great-great-grandchildren, and countless others that his 100 years of heroism, humility, and service inspired. Dennis is proof that a century spent in service to others leaves an impact that will last many, many more. Congratulating Lieutenant Brandon Rola”