[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      IN TRIBUTE TO REPRESENTATIVE JOHN P. MURTHA OF PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 24, 2010

  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory 
of my friend, John Murtha.
  John was an extraordinary man, patriot and Congressman. He served 
with distinction as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense 
Subcommittee where his knowledge and expertise on military issues was 
unparalleled. Our troops and veterans had no greater advocate than John 
Murtha and the country that he loved so dearly is better for his years 
of service.
  His personal commitment to our troops was extraordinary. He visited 
our war zones to learn firsthand about the need on the ground and 
always made time to visit with our soldiers. No matter how busy he was, 
he would always ask me about my two sons who served as captains in the 
U.S. Army, and I knew that he genuinely cared, from the bottom of his 
heart.
  We all know that Jack was a proud marine, and their motto `Semper 
Fidelis,' was indeed the motto of his life.
  Madam Speaker, I am a better Member of Congress for knowing John 
Murtha and Congress as a whole is richer for his many years of service. 
I am honored to call him colleague and friend, and I will dearly miss 
his strength, dedication and friendship. God bless you John and 
Godspeed.

                          ____________________