[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 26] [House] [Pages 35559-35561] [From the U.S. 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 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; [[Page 35560]] 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 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, [[Page 35561]] 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. ____________________