[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 183 (Thursday, December 1, 2011)]
[House]
[Page H8009]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            HONORING THE LIFE OF LANCE CORPORAL SCOTT HARPER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. WESTMORELAND. Mr. Speaker, I could not think of a more 
appropriate person to be in the Chair this morning than yourself, to me 
and to others, an American hero because, Mr. Speaker, today I come to 
the floor with a sadness but yet with a great sense of pride to honor 
the service of one of Georgia's own, Lance Corporal Scott Harper.
  On October 13, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, he gave the ultimate 
sacrifice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the protection 
of his homeland and his family and his friends.
  Mr. Speaker, he will be greatly missed by all. Lance Corporal Harper 
was better known to his close friends not as Scott but as Boots. While 
a student at Alexander High School, he once forgot his tennis shoes for 
gym class and kept his boots on instead. And on that day, Mr. Speaker, 
he learned the lasting nickname of Boots. But he also showed how he was 
prepared to adapt to all scenarios.
  When a Marine recruiter showed up at his high school senior year, 
Boots answered the call and chose a life of service in the United 
States Marine Corps with a courage and motivation that most young men 
his age have not yet found in life.
  After graduating high school, he went into active duty in the Marine 
Corps. Boots served one term in Afghanistan and returned safely home. 
He left on the second tour July 13, with the First Battalion, Sixth 
Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division.
  On October 13, his division was struck by small arms fire while 
conducting combat operations. A fellow Marine was shot first, and Boots 
ran into opposing gunfire to save his friend. Though Boots lost his 
life, he saved the life of his wounded friend in the process. Boots was 
always loyal as a friend, and there is no more honor that one can give 
than to lay down his life for another.
  Boots was devoted to his family and his community. Even when he only 
had a few days off, he would make time, that precious time, to come 
home and visit his family and friends. Though communication was 
difficult, Boots was always writing his family and called home as much 
as possible. The Saturday before he was killed, Boots called his father 
to say that he had decided to enroll at the University of Georgia when 
he returned home.
  Upon coming home for this final time, he arrived at Charlie Brown 
Airfield. Crowds from the community lined the streets to escort Boots 
to his final home, to his family and to his friends for the last time. 
Boots was accompanied by a Marine Corps Honor Guard, the Patriot Guard, 
the Douglasville Police Department, and the Douglas County Sheriff's 
Department, among many others.
  Norfolk-Southern even stopped its railroad cars in honor of the 
procession. As they passed everyone stood and saluted to honor the 
fallen Marine and hometown hero.
  Boots embodied the ideals that the Marines strive to achieve. I am 
both honored and proud that this soldier from the Third District fought 
so hard for our country and for our freedom. Boots was a model citizen, 
soldier, and son. He was an extraordinary young man with incredible 
potential before him, and he will be forever missed.
  I am proud to stand here and thank him for sacrificing his life for 
strangers like me and my family. And Joan and I extend our sympathy to 
the family of this fallen hero for raising such a brave, courageous, 
honorable, giving son.
  And Boots, we, as a Nation, salute you today. Semper Fi.

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