[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 193 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[House]
[Pages H15490-H15492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE MARINE CORPS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING ON
NOVEMBER 10, 1775
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree
to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 246) honoring the United
States Marine Corps for serving and defending the United States on the
anniversary of its founding on November 10, 1775.
The Clerk read the title of the concurrent resolution.
The text of the concurrent resolution is as follows:
H. Con. Res. 246
Whereas, on November 10, 1775, the Second Continental
Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating
that ``two Battalions of Marines be raised'' for service as
landing forces with the fleet;
Whereas this resolution establishing the Continental
Marines marked the birth date of the United States Marine
Corps;
Whereas these first Marines distinguished themselves in a
number of important operations, including their first
amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the
[[Page H15491]]
command of Captain Samuel Nicholas, who became the first
commissioned officer in the Continental Marines and is
considered to be the first Marine Commandant;
Whereas following the Revolutionary War and the formal re-
establishment of the Marine Corps on July 11, 1798, Marines
saw action in the quasi-war with France, landed in Santo
Domingo, and took part in many operations against the Barbary
pirates along the ``Shores of Tripoli'';
Whereas Marines took part in numerous naval operations
during the War of 1812, as well as participating in the
defense of Washington and fought alongside Andrew Jackson in
the defeat of the British at New Orleans;
Whereas the Marines seized enemy seaports on both the Gulf
and Pacific coasts during the Mexican War;
Whereas a battalion of Marines joined General Winfield
Scott's army at Pueblo and fought to the ``Halls of
Montezuma'', Mexico City;
Whereas Marines preserved the Union both ashore and afloat
during the U.S. Civil War at Bull Run, Cape Hatteras, New
Orleans, Charleston, and Fort Fisher;
Whereas the Marines fought gallantly in Cuba, Puerto Rico,
Guam, and the Philippines during the Spanish-American War;
Whereas the Marines saw active service in the Philippine
Insurrection, the Boxer Rebellion and in Nicaragua, Panama,
Cuba, Mexico, and Haiti during the early 1900s;
Whereas more than 30,000 Marines served in World War I and
distinguished themselves on the battlefields of France and
Belgium at Belleau Wood, Soissons, St. Michiel, Blanc Mont,
and in the Meuse-Argonne offensive;
Whereas Marine aviation also supported the war effort in
the skies over Europe;
Whereas 485,113 Marines served during World War II in
Guadalcanal, Bougainville, Tarawa, New Britain, Kwajalein,
Eniwetok, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Peleliu, Iwo Jima, and
Okinawa and lost 87,000 killed and wounded;
Whereas the Marines served honorably at Inchon and Seoul
and the Chosin Reservoir in operations defending South Korea
from 1950 to 1955;
Whereas Marines have served in the defense of freedom and
peace in Lebanon in 1955;
Whereas the Marine Corps protected and evacuated Americans
from the Dominican Republic in 1965;
Whereas the Marine Corps suffered 13,000 killed and more
than 88,000 wounded in Vietnam;
Whereas the Marines have protected dignitaries and
embassies throughout the world like the Embassy in Beirut in
1982;
Whereas the Marine Corps intervened in Granada and Panama
in the 1980s to protect American lives and restore the
democratic processes;
Whereas the Marine Corps sent 24 infantry battalions, 40
squadrons, and 92,000 Marines to defend Kuwait and Saudi
Arabia during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert
Storm;
Whereas the Marine Corps also engaged in non-combatant
evacuation operations in Liberia and Somalia during Desert
Storm;
Whereas the Marine Corps participated in humanitarian
lifesaving operations in Bangladesh, the Philippines, and
Northern Iraq during Desert Storm;
Whereas the Marine Corps served in Somalia on humanitarian
relief operations from 1992 to 1994;
Whereas the Marine Corps supported Operation Deny Flight in
the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina;
Whereas the Marines were called on to evacuate U.S.
citizens from Rwanda in 1994;
Whereas the Marine Corps engaged in democracy restoration
efforts in Haiti in 1994;
Whereas the Marine Corps has deployed to several African
nations, including Liberia, the Central African Republic,
Zaire, and Eritrea to provide security and assist in the
evacuation of American citizens during periods of political
and civil instability in those nations;
Whereas the Marine Corps has engaged in humanitarian and
disaster relief operations in Kenya, Honduras, Nicaragua, El
Salvador, and Guatemala;
Whereas Marine units deployed to Kosovo in support of
Operation Allied Force;
Whereas the Marine Corps has played a pivotal role in
Operation Enduring Freedom, toppling the Taliban and
dismantling the Al Qaeda terrorist network;
Whereas 76,000 Marines have deployed to combat operations
in Iraq;
Whereas Marines have earned the Navy Cross 17 times, the
Silver Star 74 times, the Bronze Star 1,896 times, the Bronze
Star with ``V'' 866 times, and the Purple Heart 7,720 times
during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi
Freedom;
Whereas Marines have earned the Medal of Honor 298 times,
the Navy Cross 2,168 times, and the Distinguished Service
Cross 417 times;
Whereas the Marine Corps continues to serve in harm's way
around the world;
Whereas Marine Corps Special Operators have served with
honor and distinction around the world since their activation
in 2006;
Whereas the Marine Corps has fought for freedom, preserved
democracy, and protected Americans and their interests on
every continent around the world;
Whereas the Marine Corps is the most versatile and elite,
integrated fighting force; and
Whereas the United States Marine Corps and its Marines have
served the United States, its people, its allies, and all
free people of the world for 232 years: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That Congress remembers, honors and commends the
achievements of the United States Marine Corps in serving and
defending the United States on the 232nd anniversary of the
creation of the Marines.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from
New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) and the gentleman from South Carolina
(Mr. Wilson) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Hampshire.
{time} 1400
General Leave
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all
Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their
remarks on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentlewoman from New Hampshire?
There was no objection.
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to first start out by thanking my distinguished
colleague on the Armed Services Committee, Robin Hayes, for his work on
this bill and his continued support for the Marine Corps. I would also
like to thank Debra Wada and Joe Hicken from the committee staff for
their work to bring this to the floor.
Mr. Speaker, this year, the United States Marine Corps celebrated 232
years of devoted service. This year's celebration, like those of years
before, commemorates generations of service to our country and reminds
us of their commitment to our freedom and their selflessness. This is
an enduring trait of their past, present and future.
As soldiers, our marines have fought valiantly to protect democracy
and human liberty when those essential freedoms were threatened around
the world. In our most dire times, the Marine Corps stepped to the
forefront in places like Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Guam. For
those from that generation who are still with us, this resolution
celebrates you.
As peacekeepers, our marines have stood between rebels and refugees,
providing safe haven and aid in the Balkans and to nations in Africa,
South America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. To those brave
marines, this resolution is for you.
As preservists of democracy, marines have protected U.S. and foreign
diplomats as they sought to restore peace and stability to war-torn
nations. In places like Beirut, they often paid the ultimate price.
This resolution is for them.
As liberators, Marines were the first conventional U.S. ground forces
in Afghanistan, toppling the Taliban government that sheltered al Qaeda
and were complicit in the attacks of September 11. Our Marine Corps has
lost 40 men and women during Operation Enduring Freedom. This
resolution honors them.
As heroes, marines have earned the Medal of Honor 298 times, the
Distinguished Service Cross 417 times, and the Navy Cross 2,168 times.
But they don't do it for the medals or the ribbons. They do it for the
people of the United States. To the more than 219,000 marines in the
active duty and Reserves, this resolution is for you. Thank you for
your service to our country.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time
as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Representative Carol Shea-Porter for
introducing this resolution and my colleagues, led by Representative
Robin Hayes, on the Armed Services Committee, for bringing it to the
floor for our consideration.
As a proud co-sponsor, I am honored to have this opportunity to
celebrate the United States Marine Corps and recognize their 232 years
of service to our Nation.
On November 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a
resolution that called for two battalions of
[[Page H15492]]
marines to be raised for use as naval infantrymen. From that day
forward, marines have defended this Nation in every American military
conflict. They first saw combat in the Bahamas in 1776 under the
leadership of Captain Samuel Nicholas, the officer who is considered by
most to be the first marine commandant.
Though the Marines were disbanded following the Revolutionary War,
they were reestablished on July 11, 1798, and from that day forward
have protected and defended Americans and our allies around the world.
From Europe to the Philippines, South America to Asia, and the Middle
East, marines have fought in every corner of the world.
In addition to traditional military duties, marines protect our
embassies and dignitaries around the world. They have served in a
humanitarian capacity bringing relief and aid to citizens of other
nations as well.
In the global war on terrorism, 76,000 marines have been deployed to
Iraq to help establish peace, root out insurgent remnants and al Qaeda
terrorists, and bring stability to that young democracy. I am grateful
for my son, a naval doctor, who is working with the marines in Iraq
today.
As part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, marines have
helped topple the repressive Taliban regime and dismantle the al Qaeda
network. For their service on these two fronts of the global war on
terrorism, marines have been decorated with thousands of honors and
medals. These decorations include 7,720 Purple Hearts for wounds
suffered during combat, and 866 Bronze Stars with ``V'' for exceptional
valor in a combat situation.
Since the inception of the United States Marine Corps, 298 marines
have earned the Congressional Medal of Honor, our Nation's highest
military honor. On a personal note, the Second District of South
Carolina, which I have the honor of representing, is home to Marine
Corps Air Station Beaufort and Parris Island. All marine recruits east
of the Mississippi River go through Parris Island.
Marines are the most elite fighting force in our military. Their
reputation for professionalism and selfless duty has earned them the
thanks of a grateful Nation and the appreciation of millions around the
world over two centuries of service and sacrifice. My late father-in-
law, Major Julian Dusenbury, and my late brother-in-law, Captain Tim
Dusenbury, were proud marines, and our family especially appreciates
the service of the Marine Corps.
On behalf of my colleagues in the House of Representatives and the
American people, I want to thank the tireless men and women of the
United States Marine Corps for their service and sacrifice. Each and
every day they are working to protect our Nation and our allies around
the world.
I encourage all my colleagues to join me in supporting and expressing
our most humble appreciation for the few, the proud, the Marines.
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. At this time, I have no further requests for time,
and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Having no further speakers, I would
like to make one further statement.
Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity, 2 years ago, of visiting in
Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, where the Marine Corps ably served to assist
the people of Pakistan in their recovery from the horrific incidents of
the earthquake. And it was so reassuring to visit and see the hospital
that they set up, with female doctors, due to the cultural concerns of
the people in that region. It had just an extraordinary impact.
I had the privilege of meeting with President Musharraf, who
indicated that at that time the most famous toy, the most appreciated
toy, in all of Pakistan was the Chinook helicopter, representing the
deep affection of the people of Pakistan for the Marine Corps and their
service.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. SHEA-PORTER. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Shea-Porter) that the House suspend
the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 246.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the concurrent resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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