Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1097, the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023, sponsored by Representative Jimmy Panetta.

H.R. 1097 bestows a Gold Medal of Honor to Commander Everett Alvarez, Jr., a retired United States Navy officer who maintained the military code of conduct, loyalty, and honor to the United States under torture, abuse, and interrogation for 8 years and 6 months of imprisonment. He is the second longest-held prisoner of war in the United States history.

Our Nation's fallen soldiers, our veterans, our active military servicemembers are those who demonstrate tremendous courage, resiliency, honor, and selflessness. Their contributions cannot be overstated and should never be neglected. I applaud my colleague, Representative Panetta, who is also a veteran of the war in Afghanistan for his efforts and advocacy on this important bill to ensure that Commander Alvarez, Jr., is recognized and praised for his unfaltering commitment and sacrifice to our country.

Representative Panetta has long worked to help active military members and our Nation's veterans. His deeply appreciated service to our Nation has resulted in significant strides and legislation to help ensure that we are treating our veterans with the respect and dignity that they deserve.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time to close.

Mr. Speaker, my draft number was 321. Being born in 1955, I never was called to serve, and I always wondered what my service would be like had I been called. I am so humbled by this story of Everett Alvarez, Jr.

There are many lessons that we try to draw from the war in Vietnam, but one of the lessons that we did not get right was the duty that we have to respect the service to those who served under very difficult circumstances. That is part of the reason that I extend my support, again, for H.R. 1097, the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2023.

This legislation is necessary to ensure that Congress recognizes and honors the tremendous sacrifices that he made to protect our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I again thank Representative Panetta for his work to bring this legislation to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source