Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Michael Strank of Franklin borough, Pennsylvania, who is one of the patriots who planted the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima in late February 1945. An immigrant from Eastern Europe, Sergeant Strank signed up for the Marine Corps in 1939, and in 1942, he was promoted to sergeant, preparing to go to war in the Pacific after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In February 1945, Sergeant Strank was on the island of Iwo Jima, where some of the most intense fighting throughout the war had occurred. On February 23, 1945, Sergeant Michael Strank, along with other Marines, climbed to the top of the volcanic rock and planted Old Glory for all to see. Though the battle waged for 2 more weeks, Sergeant Strank and his fellow marines created a lasting image that would go on to embody American strength and courage. Unfortunately, Sergeant Strank never made it home from Iwo Jima, as he was killed in combat just 1 week later. However, the image that he and his fellow soldiers and marines created lives on today, serving as a reminder to all generations of what American perseverance and strength can accomplish. To Sergeant Strank, I say Semper Fi, and to all who served as part of the Greatest Generation, I thank them. May the brave men and women who pick up the torch today to protect our freedoms around the globe take inspiration from those who came before them, like Sergeant Strank. ____________________”