Political Quotes

“Today I have the high honor and solemn task of rising to commemorate the life and service of Master Sergeant Kenneth Elwell, who was killed in action in Afghanistan this past Sunday. Sergeant Elwell, who enlisted in the Army shortly after his graduation from Council Rock North High School, was killed along with a fellow infantryman by an IED during a routine foot patrol in Kandahar on the morning of July 17. He leaves behind a wife Kristen and two children, Elise and Nicholas of Fort Wainwright, Alaska; his mother Janice of Holland, Bucks County, Pennsylvania; and countless other family and friends whose lives he touched. While those close to Sergeant Elwell have lost a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, America too has lost a hero. He served our Nation because he loved our Nation. His sister summed up his services perfectly when she said, ``He did what he loved, so we could do the simple, everyday things that we take for granted.'' And although the grief of the family must be overwhelming, I hope that they're able to take a measure of solace in the gratitude of the Nation that Kenneth died defending. Tonight his community will honor and remember him, but it is the duty of all of us here in Congress and across our grateful Nation to never forget his ultimate sacrifice and the family that he leaves behind. ____________________”