Sfc Sean Cooley and Spc Christopher Horton Congressional Gold Star Family Fellowship Program Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I want to take the time to thank Ms. Lofgren and Mr. Davis for guiding this discussion, this debate today, and Trent Kelly for submitting a great bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution which honors the memory of two great American warriors: Army Sergeant First Class Sean Cooley and Army Specialist Chris Horton. These heroes rest in honored glory, servants to our great Republic, who answered the call and gave their lives fighting for our freedoms and to give hope to others fighting for a better future in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We could never repay the debt we owe, but we can honor them by caring for their families. This is why this resolution to establish the Gold Star Family Fellowship Program in the House is so important and has my full support.

Since becoming a Member of the House, I have made it my mission to work across the aisle to ensure Congress does its part to honor our heroes and care for the families who bear the daily burden of their loss.

To our Gold Star and surviving families, I recall President Lincoln's words to a grieving mother who lost five sons in the Civil War: ``I pray that the Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.''

As we approach Veterans Day, this action is timely and sends an important message of support to our military families and to the American people.

The daring raid this weekend which ended the life of the world's most wanted terrorist is a reminder of how much we--indeed, the entire free world--owe to our military, our military servicemembers and their families.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to personally thank my good friend and wingman on the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Kelly, for introducing this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

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