[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF SGT JUSTIN W. GARVEY AND AMERICA'S VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CLIFF STEARNS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, twice a year we set aside a day to honor 
our military--Memorial Day to honor those who made the ultimate 
sacrifice--and, Veterans Day to honor all who wore the American 
uniform.
  All across America, in the largest cities, the smallest towns, and 
the most isolated hamlets, we mark this occasion with speeches and 
parades. We pay respect to the guardians of our liberties, for as 
Americans, we are the beneficiaries of their efforts.
  Our military men and women are currently engaged in combat--a fight 
to defend the light of freedom and progress against the darkness of 
oppression and intolerance. The enemy we face is ruthless, a force that 
strikes at innocent men, women, and children.
  As the guardians of our freedoms, these men and women are owed our 
respect and our support. America has a special debt to her veterans, 
and we have a sacred responsibility to fulfill the promises made to 
them.
  My prayers are with these brave men and women and I wish them success 
and a safe and quick return home. As so many before them, they are 
answering the call to defend liberty. It is especially a fitting 
tribute and expression of gratitude that we acknowledge one of 
America's true heroes, Sgt. Justin Wrisley Garvey of the 101st 
Airborne, by naming a bridge in Lewis, New York in honor of his service 
and sacrifice.
  Justin was a man that touched the lives of those who were blessed to 
know him. I believe that no other statement describing Justin can match 
that given by his fellow soldier, Sgt. Douglas Norman.

       It was the greatest honor to have been able to call Justin 
     my friend. He was a man who had no enemies. His personality 
     attracted anyone who came around him. I thank God for giving 
     me the opportunity to work with him and to be his friend. 
     Though he was only a man, he is everything I want to be as a 
     man. Everyone, who ever met Justin, is better for it. It was 
     an honor to have served with him up to the end, that night. 
     He taught me what a true hero is.

  What is also quite a statement is that Sgt. Norman, who survived the 
attack that took the lives of Sgt. Justin Garvey and Sgt. Jason Jordan, 
is going to re-enlist in honor of his fellow soldiers.
  Mr. Speaker, our country operates under principles of freedom, the 
ability to pursue life, liberty and happiness. Our men and women in 
uniform serve a tremendous cause. They fight with hope against terror 
and freedom against oppression. Our enemies will never know freedom, 
because they are imprisoned by hate; and for that they have already 
lost.
  As we cherish our rights--we should also cherish their provider--the 
American veteran. Thank you and God bless.

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