[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 134 (Thursday, October 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING LIEUTENANT MICHAEL P. MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 20, 2005

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise with the 
New York Congressional Delegation to recognize an American hero. Today 
I am introducing legislation to name a post office in my district--in 
Patchogue, New York--in honor of Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy.
  Lieutenant Murphy, U.S. Navy, was killed in Afghanistan when he and 
three other SEALs were ambushed by Taliban insurgents. Many of you may 
recall the reports during the week of June 27 about the heroic rescue 
attempt of Lt. Murphy's unit, when an Army MH-47 Chinook helicopter was 
shot down by a rifle-propelled grenade in the Kunar province with 16 
special operations troops aboard.
  Lt. Murphy was only 29 years old when he died. Already having 
achieved his dreams of attending Penn State University and becoming a 
Navy SEAL, he had deferred another dream of attending law school until 
his tour had ended. He was also engaged to be married upon his return 
in November.
  Lt. Murphy was universally admired and loved. His parents, teachers, 
and commanding officers all praise his intelligence, dedication and 
kindness. Perhaps the commanding officer of the Navy's SEAL Recruiting 
program who mentored Lt. Murphy and prepared him for SEAL training best 
summed up this young hero's essence when he said:

       He achieved something most of us don't have the courage to 
     attempt . . . He was a very focused young man with a terrific 
     attitude, quiet intensity and determination.

  After learning of his tragic loss, Lt. Murphy's father reflected on 
what the memory of his son left behind:

       We were just honored to have him as a son for 29 years. 
     He's our herd, and I think he is everybody else's hero . . . 
     He squeezed more life in 29 years than I will ever see.''
  This past summer, my district lost a beloved friend and our nation 
lost one of its bravest sons to the War on Terror.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all Americans, I thank the House for 
honoring St. Murphy's service, valor and ultimate sacrifice for this 
Nation by renaming the post office located at 170 East Main Street in 
Patchogue, New York as the ``Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy Post 
Office.''

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