[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 21932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD 
                        SPECIALIST JOSHUA HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 24, 2008

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
service and sacrifice of a recent fallen soldier--Illinois National 
Guard Specialist Joshua Harris. Specialist Harris served with Battery B 
of the 2nd Battalion of the 122nd Field Artillery that provided 
security for police mentor teams in Afghanistan. Joshua was only 21, 
and he lived in Oak Park, Illinois. He deployed to Afghanistan in 
August of this year. On Wednesday, September 17, Joshua was killed by a 
roadside bomb in Afghanistan, along with Sergeant Jason Vazquez, 24, 
also of Chicago. Joshua was posthumously promoted to sergeant and Jason 
to staff sergeant.
  At this time of loss and sorrow, I am reminded of the words of two 
famous poets. Kahlil Gibran once said, ``When you are sorrowful look 
again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping 
for that which has been your delight.'' Henry Longfellow reflected, 
``He spake well who said that graves are the footprints of angels.'' 
These words capture what we know about Joshua--he was both an angel and 
delight to those around him. His death brings comfort to no one, but 
his life spread comfort to many. His friends and family have recounted 
that he worked for the betterment of his community and displayed 
kindness to all. From the time he was just a boy, Joshua wanted to 
serve in the military; a child who initiated saluting when he was just 
9 years old. With hard work and dedication, he earned the rank of Eagle 
Scout in 2005. This is an impressive accomplishment that reflects a 
strong, dedicated character that Joshua applied to his life and 
military service. I also understand that his death steals from us a 
potential political leader--someone who loved history, particularly the 
civil war, and who demonstrated leadership on issues small and large.
  Joshua died serving his country in the uniform of the Illinois 
National Guard. Therefore I send my condolences to the friends and 
family of Sergeant Harris during their time of grief, and I pay tribute 
to a true hero whose courage and sacrifice will always be honored and 
cherished in this country. We are grateful for all that he did for so 
many in Chicago, the United States, and the world.

                          ____________________