Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Balanced Budget Act of 2011 and urge its adoption.

My colleagues, government at all levels is mired in debt. Mismanagement and overspending have left our Nation on the brink of bankruptcy. Why? The math is simple. The Federal Government takes in approximately $2.2 trillion every year but spends over $3.5 trillion. To sustain the operations of government, we borrow 42 cents of every Federal dollar we spend.

The implications are obvious: We're hurtling down a path toward the most predictable financial disaster in the history of the planet. Enough is enough. The American people want us to begin to live within our means. They need a permanent fiscal solution.

Spending cuts are important; but what Congress passes today, another Congress and even the same Congress can undo tomorrow. The only effective way to control spending is through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Balancing budgets is not an untested idea. Over 49 States currently abide by some sort of balanced budget amendment. Let's pass a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution today. Let's get the job done.

Mr. Speaker, last week, our Nation paused to mark Veterans Day. America's soldiers, sailors, Marines and Airmen and Airwomen have always responded to the call of duty in defense of our great nation. These dedicated members of our community deserve our endless thanks, not only on Veterans Day, but at every single opportunity that we can show them our gratitude.

Therefore, my colleagues, it is quite fitting that I call to your attention the dedicated service of one member of the ``Greatest Generation.'' John P. Amerspek of Succasunna, New Jersey, will be celebrating the 90th anniversary of his birth this week and I invite you to join his family and friends in thanking this great American for his many contributions.

Like so many of his generation, John Amerspek knew the necessity of accepting one's responsibilities and was willing to make sacrifices for his country. As troops of the World War II era were known to say: ``if the country is good enough to live in, it's good enough to fight for.''

Thus, John found himself in the United States Army's 3rd Division, far from home, fighting one of the most controversial, yet least publicized, major engagements of World War II--the Anzio Beachhead in western Italy.

It was a brutal campaign, but essential to eventual Allied victory in Europe. The two German corps engaged on the Anzio front were originally destined for Normandy. The success of the Allied landings on the beaches in France in June 1944 were due largely to the tenacity of the Allied forces at Anzio.

But the price of this crucial victory was high. Allied forces suffered nearly 87,000 casualties. In one measure of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there, 22 Americans were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the most of any single battle of World War II.

John was there from the beginning. He was wounded twice and discharged himself from a field hospital so he could return to the fight with the mates in his own unit. As John says matter-of-factly, ``I was one of the very fortunate ones that not only survived Anzio, but the many campaigns to follow. I would never regret the experience, but would never like to experience it again.''

John's units were the first to liberate Rome. And then it was off to the Island of Corsica, Southern France, the Alsace Lorraine, the Vosge Mountains, crossing the Rhine into Germany and finally into Salzburg, Austria.

In the course of this extended personal campaign, John Amerspek was among the liberators at the infamous Dauchau concentration camp. In late April 1945, American troops found approximately 32,000 prisoners, crammed 1,600 to each of 20 barracks, which had been designed to house 250 people each. Nearly 32,000 people were exterminated at this camp, which John appropriately called the ``Dauchau Horror Camp.''

After the war, John returned home to New Jersey, took advantage of the GI bill and eventually began 60 years of official and unofficial professional support of the Army's Picatinny Arsenal--an invaluable national military resource and the home of American firepower.

An expert in all phases of military program management including the development of new concepts through research and development, cost control, field service, production and budgeting, he rose to senior leadership positions at Picatinny. His goal was always to provide our warfighters with superior firepower from a wide range of weapons for infantry, artillery, mortars, rockets, missiles and aircraft-launched munitions. There is no doubt that his material and management contributions strengthened the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force.

John ended his formal government career in 1981 after 40 years of uniformed and civilian service. He went on to continue his contributions to our great military in various senior roles with the National Defense Industrial Association, the Army ARDEC Advisory Board, among other organizations. His awards are too numerous to list.

It should suffice to say that in 2004, Picatinny's Armament Research Development Engineering Center, ARDEC, named its headquarters' executive conference room after John Amerspek.

Today as senior military and civilian leaders enter the conference room, they pass a simple bronze plaque, bearing his likeness and the phrase ``Soldier, Leader, Patriot, 1942-1981,''

Anyone who has had the privilege of knowing John Amerspek, understands that he fits those descriptions precisely.

Having just marked Veterans Day and as we prepare for the Thanksgiving season, it is fitting that all Americans give thanks for the service of John Amerspek and all of his fellow soldiers, leaders and patriots--past, present and future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of the Rotary Club of the Caldwells and the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex, located in Essex County, New Jersey as they celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Rotary/Kiwanis Street Fair.

In 1991, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells and the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex decided to join forces to organize a street fair in Caldwell, New Jersey to bring the communities together and show off all that the area had to offer. Welcoming vendors and organizations of every kind, the fair has recently celebrated its 20th year.

The first Sunday of every October brings a great hustle and bustle to downtown Caldwell. It is on this day, for the past twenty years, that two great community organizations come together to bring local organizations, vendors and fun to the area Over the years, the fair has continued to grow and now consistently brings in 30,000 people; offering these vendors and organizations the chance to interact, not only with the residents of the Caldwells, but with residents from the surrounding communities.

Run by dedicated volunteers, the Rotary/Kiwanis Street Fair provides an opportunity for local businesses to ``show off' their products; for organizations to share what they do and recruit new members; but most importantly, it brings local community members together to enjoy one another's company and have a good time!

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the the Rotary Club of the Caldwells and the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell- West Essex for continually bringing this wonderful event to the Caldwell community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Bridge, Inc. located in Caldwell, Essex County, New Jersey on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.

The Bridge, Inc. is a private, nonprofit, community agency that has been helping children and families in the Essex County area since 1971 regardless of their ability to pay. All services are designed to strengthen and support the family and promote the personal growth of children, adolescents, adults and seniors.

The Bridge offers a variety of high quality, cost effective, professional mental health and addiction assessment and treatment services. Every day it works with individuals and families facing marital problems, parent/child conflicts, grief and loss, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and more.

The Bridge's compassionate staff is always ready and willing to assist those in need of help. Among the programs they offer are counseling services, adult and adolescent substance abuse services, school based substance abuse services, family crisis intervention counseling and the Family Preservation Program. Through its school based substance abuse services, The Bridge offers primary prevention/ early intervention services to contacting local schools as a first defense to substance abuse.

Also offered, is a unique women's service called Stepping Stones, Women's Addiction Services. This program is an intensive outpatient service aimed at empowering women to take control of their lives and plan for their futures. Through the use of continuing care groups, women are counseled on parenting skills, healthy relationships and how to deal with their addictions, giving them the first steps to a healthier lifestyle.

For the past 40 years, The Bridge, Inc. has dedicated itself to the prevention and care of those struggling with a wide range of mental health and addiction issues. I commend the caring staff for their unwavering support to those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating The Bridge, Inc. on its 40th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denville Volunteer Fire Department located in Morris County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 85th Anniversary.

At a meeting of the Denville Athletic Club on June 6, 1926, a committee was formed to investigate the terms under which a fire department for the Township of Denville could be formed, to research the type of fire fighting apparatus most suitable for use and, most importantly, the costs involved in the undertaking. At this same meeting, the first officers of the Denville Fire Department were elected.

Though the founding members of the fire department were initially met with some resistance by the governing body, the persistence of its dedicated volunteers paid off. After the township passed the ordinance establishing the official status of the department, many volunteers offered their garages as home for the first fire apparatus. On New Year's Day 1927, the final push was made to finish the structure that would be the department's first official home. After furnishing the building, complete with a siren, the first meeting was held on March 22, 1927.

Through dedicated fundraising and the support of their community, the Denville Fire Department managed to keep their facility up and running and to acquire the necessary tools to keep the community safe. In July 1935, the Denville Board of Education gave the department the Old School House property on Main Street. The building was demolished to make room for a fire house and remains of the structure supplied additional material for the department's new home.

Over the years, many changes came to the Denville Fire Department. In 1940, the department formed a first aid squad. In April of 1956, it was decided that an additional fire house was needed. Construction of the Union Hill Firehouse began in early 1957 and was completed by February. In 1963 the Denville Board of Education donated a piece of land to the Department for construction of an additional firehouse. This would become the location for the Valley View Firehouse. Groundwork on the structure began on May 8, 1963. The finishing touches were made in January and February of 1964.

By the 1970s, the department boasted a 100 plus membership with five fire engines in service at three firehouses. With their ever-growing group, new construction began on a new facility for the Main Street Fire Station in 1973. By the fall of 1974 their completed, present home was open. Continuing in their growth, the department established the Junior Fire Auxiliary in 1983.

Over the last 20 years, the fire department has continued to flourish. Recently they acquired a new engine and two new ambulances. The 2009 Smeal 1,000 gallon Engine replaced a 1989 ICME 750 gallon Engine. The two ambulances replaced the ambulances at Union Hill and Valley View Fire Houses. Every year, they answer approximately 500 fire and 1,000 first aid calls and assist surrounding departments as they respond to calls in neighboring communities. In the summers, they hold the annual Denville Firemen's Carnival which brings Denville and surrounding communities together for lots of food and fun.

The past and present members of the Denville Volunteer Fire Department have gone above and beyond their call of duty. From their dedication to the safety of their community, to raising funds to maintain each fire house, their unwavering and resilient efforts are truly commendable. With each hour of training with every call answered, firefighters give up their precious time to help and protect others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Denville Volunteer Fire Department as they celebrate 85 years of community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cooperative Housing Corporation, located in Somerville, Somerset County, New Jersey, as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

Cooperative Housing Corporation (CHC) was created in 1986 to address the significant lack of affordable senior housing in central New Jersey. Its founders reasoned that affordable housing need not solely be a municipal burden, but that public/private partnerships could co- support it and foster conscionable development, preserving the aesthetics of community neighborhoods through Shared Living Arrangements for seniors.

It was soon realized that such housing, which would allow each resident to have their own bedroom/bathroom suite while sharing common areas, would also benefit special needs populations, particularly young, employable males. Therefore, the Mission of CHC became, ``to provide older adults and some special needs populations with shared housing facilities and services especially designed to meet their physical, social and psychological needs on a cooperative family basis and, through the caring `second family' environment, to promote their health, security, happiness and usefulness in longer living.''

CHC opened the first of its seven houses on January 1, 1990, and since that date, has provided round the clock services, sustenance and housing to 157 individuals whose average income has been less than $14,000 per year and whose average length of stay has been a remarkable six and a half years.

The elderly, no matter their physical, emotional or mental condition at the time of admission to any residential program, eventually ``age in place'' and, if frail, are often moved to more restrictive and costly-to-government settings. This reality of aging and new needs of CHC's own residents motivated initiation of innovative programming toward a host of services for this vulnerable population. The operating premise of CHC remains unique. As needs arise, CHC works to address them both innovatively and creatively; modifying program approach born through the reality of senior residents aging in place, from fully independent living to ``Senior Affordable Supportive Housing'' (SASH), of which there is no similar program in New Jersey.

The occasion of its 25th Anniversary, also marks CHC's transition into a new housing model from the 5 unit ensuites to 10 units. This allows CHC to serve additional lower income residents in a more cost- efficient manner, maximizing available public and private resources to address their increasing need for supportive services.

The Housing Partnership is commended for its innovative contributions, the creativity of its Founders, and the consistency and dedication of its Board and Staff through the years in helping to resolve the dilemma of affordable housing for vulnerable populations in our great state.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Cooperative Housing Corporation on its 25th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris County Organization of Hispanic Affairs, MCOHA, located in Dover, Morris County, New Jersey as it celebrates its 35th Anniversary.

MCOHA is a private, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976 by 7 community members. Its mission is to advance bi-cultural exchange in the Morris County Community through programs providing information, education and practical assistance.

Though established primarily as a Hispanic organization, it provides services to all residents of Morris County regardless of their

race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation and is a partner agency of the United Way. It offers programs to people, such as transportation, immigration immersion, translation and health services, among many others.

In cooperation with federal and state agencies, MCOHA administers several programs, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, LIHEAP, Universal Service Fund, USF and New Jersey Shares, among others. Another offered program is the Weatherization Assistance Program, WX, which aims to educate low income families on the importance of increasing energy efficiency in their home and helping to install such measures. Additional programs serve as educational resources such as Computer Training classes, health seminars, and English as a second language.

Every year, MCOHA helps numerous families and individuals. Last year alone, the WX program serviced 300 homes and the Computer Training Program graduated 250 students; in addition, MCOHA provided health screenings for over 700 people and provided over 16,500 rides to seniors, preschool children and clients with social services/medical needs.

Throughout the year, MCOHA dedicates itself to providing educational forums and support to the citizens of Morris County. Its unwavering support of those in need and those new to our country is commendable.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Morris County Organization of Hispanic Affairs as they celebrate 35 years of dedication to the people of Morris County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cheshire Home located in Florham Park, Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.

Established in 1981, the Cheshire Home has served the area's physically disabled adults with a time-honored philosophy first carried out by Lord Leonard Cheshire, a World War II Royal Air Force Pilot, who established

the international organization to serve disabled veterans. Since 1948, hundreds of Cheshire Homes have opened up worldwide, each acting independently, but all being guided by the same set of values.

The unique setting of the Cheshire Home provides a stimulating living experience where residents not only receive professional medical care, but also have the opportunity to contribute to their community and live an independent lifestyle. As only one of twenty-four licensed specialized care facilities in the state of New Jersey, the Cheshire Home is the only facility that specializes in the 18-55 age range, making it a truly unique facility. The residents at Cheshire Home are offered a myriad of services including, medical, educational, recreation and counseling programs and services.

In 1986, Cheshire Home began its first expansion when two community- based homes were added. The residences were built for individuals with the ability to live with an increased measure of independence. In 1988, the Cheshire Home established its onsite Community Resource Center. The Center is a place where an array of programs and services are conducted, including vocational training and education.

Cheshire Home and its residents have also reached out to the community through multiple programs. Members of the surrounding community are invited to take part in computer classes where Cheshire residents frequently act as mentors. A second program, the Awareness by Learning Experience (A.B.L.E.) program, was created to raise awareness in children, teens and adults of the challenges and capacities of disabled persons. Activities such as a ``wheelchair obstacle course'' give participants a glimpse at the challenges faced by disabled persons. The residents of Cheshire Home have presented this program to hundreds of conununities and schools throughout New Jersey.

Cheshire Home is a place dedicated to serving disabled adults by providing a specialized environment that fosters the growth of a personal measure of independence in each resident. They have also proved over and over to be a good neighbor to the community. But above all, Cheshire Home provides young, disabled adults with the most important thing: a home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Cheshire Home, their board of trustees, staff and volunteers as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located in the Town of Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 168th Anniversary.

Bethel African American Episcopal Church was the first African American Church in Morris County. Originally a blacksmith shop, Bethel was built and founded in 1849. The Church has thrived throughout its many decades of service to the community and will continue to thrive for many years to come.

Bethel prides itself on enriching the Morris County community by offering spiritual and social development for all people, regardless of race. Led by Pastor Sidney Williams, the Church not only offers regular religious services but also offers, through numerous different programs, help to the needy and impoverished within the community. As part of their anniversary celebration, Bethel will officially introduce their Spring Street Community Development Corporation whose primary purpose is to help those in need. This program, according to the Church, ``is chartered to improve the quality of life for Morris County residents by addressing economic, educational, and social needs while preserving the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Morris area.''

The Bethel African American Episcopal Church is truly a place where anyone is welcome to find God and find a community of caring, friendly faces. We are proud to have them here in Morris County.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Bethel African Episcopal Church as they celebrate their 168th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Somerset Hills YMCA located in Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

From its modest beginning, first operating at the Dobb's Realty Building in Bernardsville and later at the Mill Street Firehouse, the Somerset Hills YMCA has been of great importance to its surrounding community. Within the first ten years of operation, the Somerset Hills YMCA already had 500 members and acquired a seventeen acre site to accommodate its growing membership.

In the 1980s, the facility on Mt. Airy Road in the Basking Ridge section of Bernards Township was expanded to provide its members with a state of the art facility. It offers three pools, a large gym, a dance studio, a cafe and much more. The YMCA provides more than 200 programs annually, including wellness, fitness, programs for those with special needs, day care, active older adults programs, sports, dance, adventure-based activities for teens and corporations, specialized family activities and a variety of community service programs including Career Forum, Special Olympics and Saturdays in Motion. In 2010, it partnered with the National Inclusion Project to insure that even people with disabilities could engage in these many programs. The YMCA is truly a place where all members of the community, regardless of age or ability, can participate, work out and enjoy themselves.

Since its opening, the Somerset Hills YMCA has had what they call, ``a deep commitment to youth development, social responsibility, and health and well-being for all.'' Not only does this YMCA offer its programs to 22,000 people in the surrounding community, it also offers financial assistance to those who cannot afford membership.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is dedicated to its motto, ``Strengthening the Foundations of the Community,'' and is committed to serving its neighbors. Most recently, in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irene, the Somerset Hills YMCA graciously opened its doors to those who lacked electricity and running water in the area, regardless if they were members or not. Its unwavering dedication to go above and beyond their mission is what makes this organization great. I am honored to have the Somerset Hills YMCA in my district as it is truly a place of public service.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Somerset Hills YMCA as they celebrate 60 years of community service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Peter's Episcopal Church located in the Town of Morristown, Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates the 100th Anniversary of its consecration.

On January 1, 1827, 38 men and women gathered at the Morristown Baptist Church to incorporate St. Peter's Episcopal Church. After naming the church's first permanent rector, ground for the new church was broken in May of 1828, making it the first stone building in Morristown. By 1881, the original building was becoming inadequate for the growing congregation, and under the supervision of a member of the congregation, plans were made for a new church building. On April 11, 1887, ground broke for the new St. Peter's Episcopal Church and the corner stone was laid on All Saints' Day that same year.

To finance construction, the new church was built in four stages. The first two steps, completed in 1892, included the sanctuary, chapel, choir crossings, vestries and nave. The tower was completed in 1908 and the parish hall in 1911. On November 2, 1911 the new St. Peter's Episcopal Church building was officially consecrated.

St. Peter's is a place of welcome and comfort to those in need. Outreach and ministries are cornerstones of the church that reach into the community. St. Peter's has either been a founder or founding member of vital organizations such as the Community Soup Kitchen of Morristown, Hospitality Link, the Interfaith Food Pantry and Morris County Career Network.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church is a vital part of the local community as it provides an intimate place where people with common beliefs and values can join together in prayer and worship. It is a place where people can become involved in their community and give back to others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members of St. Peter's Episcopal Church as they celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the church's consecration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Denville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary located in Morris County, New Jersey as they celebrate their 75th Anniversary.

In 1936, in response to the ever-growing Denville Fire Department, the Ladies Auxiliary was established to provide support. Over the years, they have proven to be an indispensible adjunct to the department.

In the early years, the women of the Auxiliary would go to the scene of fires to provide refreshments to the firefighters. In addition, they also dedicated much time and energy to raising funds for the fledging fire department. Many parties, raffles and door-to-door canvassing, among other things, were undertaken by the women to help pay for equipment.

An especially notable incident was in the 1980s. Several dozen motorists became trapped on a major highway due to a major snowstorm. After rescue, the stranded motorists were housed at one of the department's fire houses and were fed and cared for by the ladies auxiliary for over a two-day period. Recently, members of the Auxiliary and Fire Department responded to the needs of the victims of Hurricane Irene and its aftermath.

Oftentimes, less visible organizations can go unnoticed. While the Denville Fire Department no doubt provides an invaluable resource to its community and its members sacrifice much of their time to protect others, the behind-the-scenes support of the Ladies Auxiliary helps make everything the department does possible. Their time and efforts are most appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Denville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary as they celebrate 75 years of unwavering dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Morris County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, as it celebrates its 80th Anniversary.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest grassroots-based civil rights organization. With over a half-million members and supporters both throughout the country and around the world, the NAACP strives to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights of all persons to eliminate race-based discrimination.

To support the national organization's mission, different branches of the NAACP have been established throughout the United States. The NAACP, Morris County Branch, was established in 1931. Headquartered in Morristown, New Jersey, the Morris County Branch has provided great support to the mission and vision of the national organization.

Throughout its 80 years, the Morris County branch has sought to pursue the elimination of racial prejudice and discrimination through numerous events and fundraisers, most notably their Annual Freedom Banquet. This annual fundraiser, also celebrating its 80th anniversary, brings together people from all races, all economic backgrounds to join together for one common purpose: to ensure equality for our fellow citizens.

The NAACP, Morris County Branch, is a wonderful organization, one of which I am proud to say calls the New Jersey 11th Congressional District home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the members and staff of the Morris County Branch of the NAACP as they celebrate 80 years of promoting equality for our nation.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of the three free trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea. Frankly, it is about time they have come to the House for action. Studies have shown that further delays on these three trade agreements would put 380,000 American jobs at risk; whereas, passing them will create over a quarter of a million new jobs and add $13 billion to our gross domestic product.

The latest data shows 130,000 jobs in New Jersey depend on international trade. Of these, 50,000 are manufacturing jobs. Approximately one out of every six manufacturing jobs in New Jersey is directly related to global trade. We need more activity on the trade export agenda, and these free trade agreements will produce many, many hundreds of thousands of jobs. We need to get about it. Let's act on it. I strongly support it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the organizers of the John Basilone Memorial Parade which takes place in Somerset County, New Jersey. This year they celebrate 30 years of remembrance for an American hero.

Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valiant efforts at the Battle of Guadalcanal on October 24, 1942. After his 15-man unit was reduced to himself and two others by Japanese forces, Gunnery Sgt. Basilone took command of two sections of machine guns and bravely fought for 48 hours with his two fellow Marines. When ammunition became scarce, he battled through enemy grounds to gather more. And, by the end of the fight, the Japanese troops were nearly destroyed.

Upon his return to his hometown in the Borough of Raritan, New Jersey, Gunnery Sgt. Basilone was welcomed home with a parade held in his honor on September 21, 1943. The first parade was covered by both Life magazine and the Fox Movietone News. The Newsreel was then shown in movie theatres throughout the country.

Tragically, after requesting to return to the fleet, Gunnery Sgt. Basilone lost his life during the invasion of Iwo Jima on February 19, 1945. For his duty in Iwo Jima, Sgt. Basilone posthumously received the Navy Cross, becoming the only Marine enlisted in World War II to receive both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Sgt. Basilone's memory was not forgotten in his hometown, and in 1981, the John Basilone Memorial Parade began and is now in its 30th year. Every September, the Borough of Raritan and neighboring communities come together to not only remember our fallen war hero, but to honor our military and unite as a community. The John Basilone Parade is more than just a parade, it is an opportunity for Americans to come together and celebrate the freedoms we share and those who fight to protect them.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing the organizers of the John Basilone Memorial Parade for honoring not only one American hero, but all those who fight for our country.