Transcript of Pelosi Remarks at Virtual Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the Merrill’s Marauders

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi joined Congressional Leadership and other Members of Congress to participate in a virtual Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the Merrill's Marauders. Below are the Speaker's remarks:

Speaker Pelosi. Hello. As Speaker of the House, it is my privilege to welcome you all to this celebration of awe-inspiring courage and resilience. Today, we gather virtually to bestow the Congress's highest honor – the Congressional Gold Medal – on nearly 3,000 American heroes: Merrill's Marauders. Let us salute the family and friends who have continued to tell the story of these brave warriors and advocated for the recognition they deserve.

Thank you to the U.S. Army leaders joining us today, including Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth and Army Chief of Staff General James McConville. Let us recognize the Members of Congress who worked to make this momentous event possible, including the late Senator Johnny Isakson, who showed his great respect for our veterans through his leadership on the Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Congressman Sanford Bishop, who has long championed the Marauders' legacy, and former Congressman Peter King – always a reliable voice for our nation's veterans.

Finally, thank you to all those joining us online to honor the Marauders' profound patriotism and unwavering devotion to duty. Ladies and gentlemen, at this time, plan as – please stand as you are able for the presentation of the colors and the national anthem.

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Speaker Pelosi. Merrill's Marauders stand among the great heroes of our history. Nearly 80 years later, Americans remain in awe of their courage, valor and patriotism – willing to go where no others would dare.

When our nation was attacked at Pearl Harbor, they valiantly stepped forward and sailed across the globe, taking the fight against fascism deep behind enemy lines. Up the steep Himalayan foothills and into the dense Burmese jungle, they braved nearly 1,000 miles of some of the world's harshest terrain. Often outnumbered, these heroes never wavered as they waged a righteous battle for liberty in America and in the world. Their extraordinary, hard-won success helped turn the tide in the Pacific Theater and propel the allies to victory in the Second World War.

On behalf of the United States Congress and all Americans, I'm honored to present this Congressional Gold Medal to Merrill's Marauders in recognition of their bravery and outstanding service. May this medal serve as an expression of our nation's deepest gratitude and respect. And may its place in the Smithsonian remind future generations of the Marauders' fight for freedom and democracy. Now we have the privilege of hearing from five courageous Marauders: Russel Hamler, Gilbert Howland, Gabriel Kinney, Raleigh Nayes, and Robert Passanisi.

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Speaker Pelosi. What a pleasure to hear from Merrill's Marauders themselves. And what a privilege to pay tribute to those who fought so that freedom may ring out across the world.

Nearly eight decades after Merrill's Marauders completed their mission, each of us continues to reap the fruits of their valor. And as we celebrate the Marauders' heroism, let us recommit to supporting those who carry on their legacy today. The survival of our democracy weighs on the shoulders of our Servicemembers and their families. Our nation owes them a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice in defense of liberty. So just as our military leaves no soldier behind on the battlefield, we must leave no veteran behind when they come home.

Thank you all for joining us today. As we conclude, it's my pleasure to introduce the United States Army Band for a performance of ‘The Army Song.'

Thank you.