[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MAJOR MICHAEL L. MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Major Michael L. 
Murphy of the United States Marine Corps for his distinguished service 
and courageous leadership on behalf of the citizens of this great 
nation.
  Major Murphy gave his life in the line of duty on the evening of 
December 11, 2000. By risking his life to ensure the safety of others, 
he made the ultimate sacrifice that any citizen of this nation can 
make. He left behind not only a loving family, but also a community and 
a country who will forever be grateful for his heroism.
  As an aviator in the Marine Corps, Major Murphy had dedicated his 
career to defending the values this nation holds dear. With over 16 
years of experience in the military, he had received the Meritorious 
Service Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a 
gold star for his integrity and courage.
  Major Murphy's valiant actions and his outstanding service to this 
nation serve to remind us of the gratitude we all feel toward this 
brave individual, along with all other servicemen and women who have 
lost their lives serving as guardians of this great country.
  President John F. Kennedy once said, ``For those to whom much is 
given, much is required. And when at some future date when history 
judges us, recording whether in our brief span of service we fulfilled 
our responsibilities to the state, our success or failure, in whatever 
office we hold, will be measured by the answers to four questions: 
First, were we truly men of courage . . . Second, were we truly men of 
judgment . . . Third, were we truly men of integrity . . . Finally, 
were we truly men of dedication?''
  Major Michael L. Murphy would truthfully have been able to answer 
each of these questions in the affirmative. He was indeed a man of 
courage, judgment, integrity, and dedication. May the memory of this 
brave individual live on in our hearts, and may God's strength and 
peace always be with his family and friends.

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