[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 170 (Friday, November 21, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2371-E2372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF LANCE CPL. DAVID OWENS, JR., USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FRANK R. WOLF

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2003

  Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I was honored recently to be asked to 
participate in a memorial service for my constituent, Lance Cpl. David 
Owens, Jr., USMC, who was killed in action in Baghdad on April 12 of 
this year. The presentation of a memorial plaque was held in 
Winchester, Virginia, on October 24 during halftime ceremonies on the 
football field at James Wood High School, Corporal Owens' alma mater.
  I would like to share with my colleagues the remarks given that 
evening in memory of this brave young man who served his nation proudly 
and who died defending our freedoms.

 Remarks by Frederick County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. William C. 
                                  Dean

       Good evening, The war in Iraq claimed the life of a James 
     Wood High School graduate of the class of 2000. On Saturday, 
     April 12, 2003, 20-year-old Marine Lance Corporal David Owens 
     was killed in action in Baghdad.
       It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the 
     parents of Corporal Owens, Mr. and Mrs. David Owens.
       In creating this memorial, it is our hope this service 
     tonight will remind Mr. and Mrs. Owens of one of the many 
     places where David made an impact at James Wood High School. 
     And, I also extend an invitation to them to return here 
     often.
       James Wood High School is a place David enjoyed, and we 
     enjoyed and valued David's presence here. He is missed by his 
     classmates, his teachers and those who knew him.
       Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present David and 
     Debbie Owens.
       Thank you for allowing us to honor your son this evening.

       Remarks by James Wood High School Principal, Joseph Salyer

       David E. Owens, Jr. a graduate of JWHS, entered as a 
     freshman in 1997. During the span of this high school career 
     many would describe David as an individual with strong 
     character, high integrity and a sincere love for his school.
       David was not merely a student who focused his attention on 
     attending classes. He also took an active part in the life 
     and traditions of JWHS.
       He was a dedicated athlete who participated in the school's 
     football and wrestling programs. During his senior year, he 
     excelled by placing 4th in the Commonwealth District 
     wrestling tournament. This earned him a spot representing the 
     school in the regional wrestling competition. He also was the 
     recipient of the 2000 Winchester Wrestling Officials 
     Association Sportsmanship Award.
       In addition, David was committed to serving in his local 
     Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter. He participated in a 
     wide range of forestry-related events, sponsored by the FFA, 
     because of his love for natural resources.
       It is because of David's sincere devotion, that we the 
     staff, faculty and student body of the James Wood community 
     will forever be indebted to his legacy as a James Wood 
     student and to the life he gave for his country.

     Remarks by Congressman Frank R. Wolf, 10th District, Virginia

       It is important to remember those who have made the 
     ultimate sacrifice for their country.

[[Page E2372]]

       Marine Lance Cpl. David Owens Jr., age 20, served his 
     country with pride and honor. His loss has touched many in 
     this community. It is fitting that this plaque have a 
     permanent place at James Wood High School as a remembrance of 
     David's sacrifice for his country.
       I know this has been a difficult time for his parents. As 
     the father of five children, my heart goes out to them. They, 
     too, have made the ultimate sacrifice.
       I ask that everyone here tonight remember all the service 
     men and women who have lost their lives defending our 
     freedom. We owe them and their families a huge debt of 
     gratitude.
       I also ask that everyone pray for the men and women in 
     uniform who are in harm's way in Iraq, in Afghanistan and 
     other parts of the world where we have a military presence. 
     They need and deserve our support.
       I want to read the words of the hymn ``Eternal Father,'' 
     also known as the ``Navy Hymn,'' which is often sung at the 
     funeral of service men and women, particularly sailors and 
     Marines.
       It was the favorite hymn of President Franklin Delano 
     Roosevelt, a former secretary of the Navy, and was sung at 
     his funeral in Hyde Park, New York, in 1945.
       It also was played by the Navy band in 1963 as President 
     John F. Kennedy's body was carried up the steps of the U.S. 
     Capitol to lie in state.

     Eternal Father, strong to save
     Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd'st the 
           mighty ocean deep
     Its own appointed limits keep;
     Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee.
     For those in peril on the sea!

     Eternal Father, grant, we pray,
     To all Marines, both night and day,
     The courage, honor, strength and skill
     Their land to serve, they law fulfill;
     Be thou the sheild forevermore
     From every peril to the Corps.

       May we all remember Lance Cpl. David Owens, Jr. and keep 
     his family in our thoughts and prayers.

  Remarks by Frederick County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Richard 
                                Shickle

       Tonight we are here to honor Marine Lance Cpl. David Owens, 
     Jr. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He gave all that he had 
     for his Country. He gave his life for each and every one of 
     us. But he is not the only one that gave something to this 
     great country and to each and every one of us. David Edward 
     Owens, Sr. and Deborah Owens, mother and father, gave us 
     their son Marine Lance Cpl. David Owens, Jr.
       As a father of four I cannot imagine the pride and the pain 
     that these two people must feel each and every day. The 
     questions ``Why him?'' and ``Why us?'' must haunt them every 
     minute of every day.
       Mr. and Mrs. Owens, all that we can say is ``Thank you'' 
     from the bottom of our hearts. Please allow the citizens of 
     Frederick County to become part of your family.

     Remarks by Frederick County School Board Chairman, Stuart Wolk

       Tonight I stand before you humbled. Humbled by a life short 
     lived but more accomplished in those few years than I can 
     imagine accomplishing in my lifetime.
       A few short years ago, David Owens engaged in battle on the 
     ground we are now standing on. He fought valiantly for his 
     team then and upon leaving James Wood, continued to fight 
     valiantly. Only this time, the stakes were bigger and his new 
     team for which he was fighting was our country. He made the 
     ultimate sacrifice for his team and we mourn his loss 
     tonight, as we have since receiving the tragic news. There is 
     no greater love for country, for humanity than to give one's 
     life for the freedom we all cherish. Let us never take those 
     freedoms for granted and let us always remember the supreme 
     sacrifice made by our hero: Lance Cpl. David Owens, Jr.
       I cannot begin to fathom the loss that Mr. and Mrs. Owens 
     have experienced but I wish to thank them for their son and 
     the manner in which he always conducted himself. As a member 
     of the Frederick County School Board, as a citizen of 
     Frederick County and of this great country, I feel fortunate 
     to stand here in his memory and in his honor.
       Thank you.

                          ____________________