[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    HONORING THE LIFE OF MARINE LANCE CORPORAL DUSTIN R. FITZGERALD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and 
legacy of Marine Lance Corporal Dustin R. Fitzgerald. As our country 
honors our military personnel, both past and present, this Memorial 
Day, I want to take this opportunity to remember those who have 
sacrificed their lives for our freedom and security.
  Lance Corporal Fitzgerald leaves behind a legacy of compassion and 
leadership. His family and friends remember him as a mentor who was 
truly inspirational in helping the people he loved reach their full 
potential. They remember his pride in being a Marine, his willingness 
to go beyond the call of duty to assist the members of unit, and his 
joy and laughter.
  Lance Corporal Fitzgerald had aspirations to be a lawyer, and his 
interest and enthusiasm are a source of inspiration to the lives he 
touched. Based on his reputation for being hard-working and committed 
to fulfilling his responsibilities, I have no doubt he would have been 
an effective lawyer.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I pay my last respects to 
a young man who was so full of life; to a young man who had a full and 
bright future ahead of him. I pray Lance Corporal Fitzgerald's family 
and friends find peace in their hearts, knowing his country is grateful 
and humbled by his sacrifice. I thank our brave men and women in 
uniform for continuing with our mission in Iraq, which is the ultimate 
tribute to our fallen soldiers, marines, sailors, and airmen.
  Dustin, to you I offer my sincere gratitude and my solemn commitment 
to continue to support your friends, the members of your unit, and the 
men and women in Iraq who are continuing without you. Thank you for 
seeing a vision greater than yourself and for the strength of your 
commitment to our country. God bless you.

                          ____________________