Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a happy 100th birthday to a very important resident of Hampton Roads, U.S. Navy veteran Mo Maurizio. This American hero has experienced more of the history of our great Nation than most people can even dream of. Born on February 21, 1925, he grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, before enlisting in the Navy in August of 1943 at the age of 18. After completing basic training in New York, he transferred to Hampton Roads, Virginia, to complete additional training at Little Creek in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. On June 6, 1944, as Allied Forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, Mo was a part of the first wave of troops to hit the beaches on D-day. After surviving this important first step on the path to liberate Europe, he then deployed to the Pacific theater. On February 19, 1945, he was aboard a ship that took part in the battle for Iwo Jima, shelling the island ahead of American forces making their landing. Mo didn't spend his 20th birthday celebrating. He was instead serving our Nation by landing troops and supplies during one of the worst battles of the entire war. In total, nearly 6,000 brave marines lost their lives to take this strategic island that day, and it is only 8 square miles. In April, Mo continued his service, this time assisting with the deployment of marines on Okinawa Island. Months later, when Japan was set to surrender, Mo was among the crew of one of the first ships carrying U.S.…”