Political Quotes

“I first want to say to the chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spence), and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), these two gentlemen are real heroes in the U.S. House of Representatives and real heroes in the Committee on Armed Services. Both of them have distinguished themselves in so many different ways; and I know firsthand how they fought for those in uniform, our fighting men and women. They have made a real difference in America. It is a great pleasure to stand before the House to celebrate the 225th birthday of the United States Army, all the way back to the Continental Congress, the Continental Army, the beginnings of what we call the United States of America, the greatest Nation on the history of this earth, a country that has made a difference and saved the lives of so many people overseas, as well as in the United States. When I think of the United States Army, knowing that I was a part of them for 2 years and I was discharged a first lieutenant, and then I immediately joined the Tennessee Army National Guard, as the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) mentioned a while ago, and I knew I was not going to make a career out of the military; but I wanted to be a part of the military. I think it is regrettable that so many of our young people do not have that experience now.”