In Memory of Matthew Wyatt
Floor Speech
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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a fallen hero: Corporal Matthew Wyatt of Millstadt, Illinois.
Matthew was a marine serving in Iraq's Al Anbar Province when a suicide bomber approached his base in a truck loaded with explosives.
Matt and another marine took quick action to stop the attempted breach. An explosion killed both servicemembers instantly. Matt was just 1 week from his 22nd birthday.
Matt's commitment to our military service came from his father, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Alan Wyatt, and his two grandfathers--one Army, and one Navy.
Matt enlisted during his senior year at Belleville West High School. When his mother, Verlene, asked if he was willing to go to war, without hesitation Matt instantly answered: Yes.
Matt cared deeply for those he served with--so much so that he gave his life protecting them.
For his bravery, Matt was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His commanding officer personally traveled to Millstadt, Illinois, to present the family with his medals.
To honor his sacrifice today, I am introducing legislation to rename the United States Post Office in Millstadt in his name.
I thank all Members of our Illinois delegation--Republicans and Democrats--for cosponsoring the bill. I thank my colleagues from North Carolina for their support and Representative Manning for cosponsoring, as well.
This is a small but meaningful tribute to a small-town southern Illinoisan who made a big difference for his country.
It has been 20 years since we lost Matt, but his legacy burns bright.
In a local news interview years after the loss, Matt's father, Alan, the marine gunnery sergeant said: ``I do think of him every day. I still love and miss you, son.''
It is a love that also carries on in the hearts of his mother, Verlene; stepmother, Lauren; grandmother, Millie; aunts; uncles; numerous cousins; and dear friends.
It has been said that one of life's greatest gifts is to be remembered. Corporal Matthew Wyatt will be remembered, and that is never going to change.
Semper fi, marine.
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