[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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