[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 15, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S6529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING LANCE CORPORAL DAVID LEE ESPINOZA

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, in the final days of the U.S. military's 
presence in Afghanistan, our country suffered a devastating loss. 
Thirteen servicemembers were killed in a terrorist attack at the 
airport in Kabul, marking the deadliest day for the U.S. military in 
more than a decade in that country.
  These young men and women, all between the ages of 20 and 31, were 
taken from loving families--parents, siblings, spouses, fiancees--even 
a baby on the way.
  In Laredo, TX, on Monday, I had the solemn honor of attending the 
funeral for one of these heroes and offering my condolences to his 
family.
  U.S. Marine Corps LCpl David Lee Espinoza was only 20 years old when 
he lost his life last month, but he represented the very best of the 
Marine Corps, the U.S. military, and the very best of America.
  From childhood, he dreamed of serving in the military. He joined the 
Marines right after high school to serve his country and to protect our 
freedom. And last month, he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to 
that mission.
  The pride in this young marine and the gratitude for his service and 
sacrifice was visible throughout the Laredo community. Driving through 
Laredo from the airport, the streets were lined with folks, including 
schoolchildren holding up American flags in honor of LCpl Espinoza. 
Veterans from across the State proudly stood outside the entrance to 
St. Patrick Catholic Church to pay tribute to their fallen brother. And 
across the street, a giant American flag hung from the ladder of two 
fire trucks.
  I attended the mass, officiated by Bishop James Tamayo, and paid my 
respects to David Espinoza's family and other members of his family.
  There is nothing we can do to bring back LCpl Espinoza, but we can 
ensure that his service and sacrifice, and that of the other 
servicemembers killed that day, will never be forgotten.
  I join those across the country who are mourning the loss of their 
heroes and honoring the sacrifices they have made for our freedoms. To 
me, one of the most unique things about the U.S. military--this is not 
just about our freedom. They were protecting the rights and the freedom 
and the dignity of people on the other side of the planet. Our Nation 
is forever grateful to these young men and women and their loved ones 
who made unfathomable sacrifices for our freedoms.

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