Political Quotes

“I rise today to honor Mr. Marion Grey Noel of Botetourt County, Virginia, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on October 12. His life reflects the very best of our Nation: service, sacrifice, and commitment to family and community. Born near Eagle Rock in 1925, Mr. Noel enlisted in the United States Navy at the height of World War II. As a crew member of USS LST-779, he took part in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His ship delivered desperately needed artillery to Green Beach and provided the flag raised atop Mount Suribachi in Joe Rosenthal's iconic photograph, a moment forever etched in our Nation's history. After the war, Mr. Noel returned home, served 35 years with the U.S. Postal Service, and devoted his life to faith, family, and community service. A husband to his late wife, Beveline, for 73 years, he is the proud father of Donnie and Tony, and a beloved grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. Speaker, we celebrate Mr. Noel's century of life and service, and we thank him for his enduring example of courage, patriotism, and devotion to country.”