[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11411]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING ED CLOUGH

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Paulsen) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PAULSEN. Madam Speaker, I rise to remember an inspiring and 
patriotic America, Master Sergeant Edward William Clough, of Maple 
Grove, Minnesota. Edward embodies the love for this Nation that has 
been critical to American success throughout our history and will serve 
as an example of dedication and service for generations to come.
  Ed was born in the Bronx, raised in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood 
of Manhattan, and enlisted in the Army the moment he became eligible 
for service back in 1949. He served in Korea, where he was injured in 
battle, and received a Purple Heart; and despite being offered the 
opportunity to return home, he persevered and overcame painful 
reconstructive surgeries on both of his feet so that he could continue 
to serve in the United States Army.
  Just as our Nation has overcome many painful challenges, Ed overcame 
his injuries and continued to serve with profound distinction and 
success. He eventually joined the Special Forces and in 1961 became one 
of the very first 100 Green Berets. He used his success and his 
knowledge of the Special Forces to great effect as an instructor for 
many years; and although he was seen as a natural leader, Ed was 
careful to remain humble while being awarded numerous medals, badges, 
and commendations. Following his distinguished service, he devoted 
himself to his wife, children, and extended family. He loved having the 
freedom to fish with his grandchildren and skydive recreationally 
periodically, but these were not the only freedoms that stirred Ed's 
passion.
  Too often these days, Congress is overly partisan and forgets our 
need to focus on issues of importance and getting things done and on 
service. And now, more than ever, when we are facing as a country great 
significant issues of national importance, we should absolutely 
remember the leadership of people Ed Clough and his devotion, when he 
proudly stated, ``I may not agree with every American's opinion, but I 
spent my life protecting the freedom they have to express it.''
  And now, Madam Speaker, as we approach the Fourth of July holiday and 
we consider our independence as a Nation and a country, we must pay 
tribute to citizens like Ed, who have devoted their lives to protecting 
our sovereignty. We are a Nation of free citizens who may speak 
honestly and display our beliefs proudly. But without the men and women 
who bravely serve in our military--men and women like Master Sergeant 
Clough--none of our cherished freedoms would exist today.
  Master Sergeant Clough, I honor you and I thank you for your service. 
I also thank the family that supported you and loved you throughout 
your distinguished career. My hope is that today and each day in the 
future we will be conscious of the dedication and service of the men 
and women in our Armed Forces. We must always acknowledge the 
importance of remaining resilient and brave in the face of great 
challenges, just as Master Sergeant Clough did throughout his entire 
life.

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