Mourning the Loss of Linwood Holland

Floor Speech

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Mrs. KIGGANS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of a member of the Greatest Generation, a Congressional Gold Medal recipient, an American hero: Montford Point Marine Corporal Linwood Holland.

A constituent of Virginia's Second Congressional District, Corporal Holland passed away in Suffolk on February 16 at the age of 99 years old. He leaves behind a legacy of bravery, perseverance, and love of country.

In 1942, Linwood Holland traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to enlist in the United States war effort. In the face of adversity and discrimination, he became one of the first Black Americans to serve in the Marine Corps.

Over the course of World War II, more than 20,000 Montford Point marines served in segregated units. Corporal Holland served our Nation and the Marine Corps honorably, fighting in the consequential battles of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

He courageously paved the way for future generations of Black Americans and U.S. Marines.

The Suffolk community, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States as a whole has lost a valiant member of the Greatest Generation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in mourning the loss of Corporal Holland and honoring this American hero for his service.

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