Henry Parham Va Clinic

Floor Speech

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Ms. LEE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill to designate the new Department of Veterans Affairs community- based outpatient clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic.

Private First Class Henry Parham, who at the time of his passing on July 4, 2021, was believed to be the last surviving Black combat veteran of D-day. He passed away at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center at the age of 99, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of courage, resilience, and service.

Drafted into the Army at just 21 years old, Mr. Parham joined the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only Black combat unit to land on D-day. Unable to swim on that day, Mr. Parham waded through neck-high water onto Omaha Beach, carrying his equipment under the chaos of enemy fire, praying for survival.

For 2 months, he and his battalion stood watch, aiding the flow of supplies and reinforcements to sustain Allied forces in turning the tide of the war. When asked about his service, Mr. Parham said simply: I did my duty. I did what I was supposed to do as an American.

That sense of responsibility defined him. After the war, Mr. Parham, like so many Black veterans, returned to a country that denied him the very freedoms he had fought to protect. He endured, devoting his life to service, spending decades volunteering at the Pittsburgh VA medical center and his local American Legion alongside his wife of 54 years, Ethel.

His dedication earned his recognition in his later year, including the French Legion of Honor.

In September 2023, the VA opened the Monroeville community-based outpatient clinic to improve veterans' access to primary and specialty outpatient services in our region.

Naming this facility after Henry Parham will serve as both a tribute to his legacy and acknowledgment of the immense sacrifices made by veterans like him, those who fought for freedom abroad while enduring injustice at home. It is a testament to their courage and their unyielding belief in this Nation's promise, even when that promise was denied them.

In honoring Mr. Parham, let us continue to honor all veterans by ensuring they receive the highest quality of care and support they deserve.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Reschenthaler for co-leading this effort with me, Senators Fetterman and Casey for their leadership in the Senate, and the entire Pennsylvania delegation for their support, and I urge my colleagues to pass this bill.

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