Congressman Carson Mourns Loss of Congressional Colleague
February 8, 2010
February 8, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman André Carson issued the following statement after learning of the death of Congressman John Murtha, Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense:
"Today, our nation lost a great public servant and an American patriot. As a Veteran of the Vietnam War, Congressman Murtha served this country with honor and distinction while earning two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. His service in the Marine Corps was nothing short of heroic.
"His service to the people of Pennsylvania was nothing short of legendary. Just recently, he became the longest serving Member of Congress ever from Pennsylvania. And just as Murtha stood strong for his country on the battlefield in Vietnam, Representative Murtha was known for his dogged, unyielding efforts to improve the lives of his constituents and deliver for the people of Pennsylvania.
"Finally, I will never forget the leadership he displayed when he spoke out against the Iraq war. Despite the criticism aimed at him, Murtha never backed down from his opposition-standing up for the men and women in uniform who were being put in harms-way to fight a war that was ill-fated from the start.
"There are few who have served in these hallowed halls with the kind of courage that John Murtha had. He will be sorely missed."
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