[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E757]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING ERIC ALVA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to pay tribute to 
Staff Sergeant Eric Alva, a resident of my district in San Antonio. I 
stand here with both a great sense of pride for S.Sgt. Alva's bravery 
and with a heavy heart for the sacrifice he ultimately made for our 
country. Mr. Speaker, S.Sgt. Alva was recently injured by a landmine 
explosion while on duty in Iraq. As a result, S.Sgt. Alva lost his 
lower right leg. There is no doubt that S.Sgt. Alva has experienced a 
tremendous loss, but through his service he has gained respect and 
gratitude from myself and his fellow Americans.
  The ancient historian Herodotus once said ``Great deeds are usually 
wrought at great risks''. S.Sgt. Alva accepted this great risk when he 
chose to wear the uniform of the United States Marines. He accepted 
this risk fearlessly, with pride and conviction. Although his pledge to 
serve and to defend this nation is a great deed alone, the loss he has 
suffered in service merits particular distinction. It is because of the 
selfless actions of men and women like S.Sgt. Alva that American 
freedom and democracy endures.
  Although this war has brought sorrow and suffering to some in our 
nation's armed forces and to their loved ones, their sacrifice serves 
as a symbol of the American spirit. Honoring those who are injured and 
killed in battle who stand up bravely to fulfil their duty is a fitting 
testimony to the values this country was founded upon.
  In recognition of S.Sgt. Alva and those like him who are serving 
their country during this time of war, I implore the world, that in 
their honor, we achieve the one goal we are all fighting for: Peace.

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