[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 147 (Thursday, December 4, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 4, 2014

  Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, recently a very special event 
took place in my District in East Tennessee.
  For three days in September, Medal of Honor recipients were honored 
at the Medal of Honor Convention in Knoxville.
  The Medal of Honor is the highest award that can be given to military 
personnel. Recipients must meet a very high standard of ``conspicuous 
gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and 
beyond the call of duty.''
  There are less than 100 living recipients of this award--an elite 
club of brave soldiers unmatched anywhere. The word hero is used way 
too frequently these days, but this was a gathering to honor true 
American heroes.
  A few months ago, I attended a reception at the East Tennessee 
Historical Society and planned to attend some of the events over the 
Medal of Honor Convention weekend. Unfortunately, my son Zane ended up 
in the hospital for 5 days, and I spent most of the weekend at the 
hospital or helping to care for my 18-month-old grandson.
  It was a great honor for this convention to be hosted in East 
Tennessee. My state has a deep history of military service and is very 
patriotic.
  Tennessee is known as the ``Volunteer State'' because of the high 
number of volunteer soldiers during the War of 1812 and the Mexican-
American War.
  It is also home to Alvin York, who is thought to be one of the most 
famous Medal of Honor recipients.
  Medal of Honor recipient Gen. George Gillespie of Kingston, 
Tennessee, actually redesigned the Army medal, and many of our Nation's 
first Medal of Honor recipients are buried in Tennessee.
  Joe Thompson and convention co-chair Chris Coyne worked for three 
years to bring this event to Knoxville. It could not have happened 
without their dedication, creativity and patriotism.
  Dozens of Medal of Honor recipients were honored during the 
convention, including Supreme Court Justice Samuel Anthony Alito, Jr. 
and retired Col. Jack Jacobs, now an NBC News military analyst, who 
declared Knoxville ``to be the most beautiful place in the country.''
  Mr. Speaker, this convention was a great honor for East Tennessee and 
a testament to the patriotism and spirit of my District. I call this 
convention's success to the attention of my Colleagues and other 
readers of the Record, and I hope everyone takes a moment to honor 
these soldiers whose sacrifice for our freedom can never be repaid.

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