Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding because I know that he, too, works hard for our Nation's veterans and the men and women who serve in the United States military. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and recognize a World War II and Korean war veteran, Colonel Ben Skardon, who was notified last week that he was set to receive an honorary promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. After months of coordination and conversations between my office, the Department of the Army, the Department of Defense, Congress, and the family of Colonel Skardon, the Army and DOD have concurred with my recommendation and, in an extremely rare circumstance, approved Colonel Skardon's promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Very few American soldiers ever receive this honor in this manner, and it is well deserved on behalf of Colonel Skardon for his brave military service to our country. Now, let me just tell you that Colonel Skardon served in World War II, and he was in the Philippines as commander of Company A of the 92nd Infantry Regiment Philippine Army and led his troops through some of the fiercest days of World War II in the South Pacific. After the surrender of tens of thousands of Filipino and U.S. soldiers to Japanese forces on April 9, 1942, Skardon was forced into the infamous Bataan Death March. For 65 miles, Skardon and many others were forced to walk, suffering physical abuse, fatigue, and the mental exhaustion of watching the death of many fellow prisoners.…”