Boswell Speaks on House Floor Honoring Medal of Honor Recipient Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta
Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Leonard Boswell spoke on the House floor in support of H.Res.49, the Staff Sgt. Salvatore A. Giunta Medal of Honor Flag Resolution. Staff Sgt. Giunta of Hiawatha, Iowa, is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
Boswell’s prepared floor statement is below.
Thank you Madam/Mr. Speaker. I ask unanimous consent to revise and extend my marks.
I rise today as a cosponsor of House Resolution 49, the Staff Sergeant Salvatore A. Giunta Medal of Honor Flag Resolution. As the first living Medal of Honor winner since the Vietnam War, Staff Sergeant Giunta richly deserves to be honored by this House.
The Resolution is simple: it provides every Medal of Honor winner or their family with a flag flown over the Capitol in tribute to their service. In addition to this Resolution, tomorrow we all have the opportunity to join the Chief of Staff of the Army and distinguished guests at a ceremony and reception in the Congressional Auditorium to honor this soldier, of whom all Iowans – and Americans – are incredibly proud.
I am not surprised that in spite of the praise, Sergeant Giunta has humbly refused to been seen as exceptional. He has, at every moment, sought to deflect recognition onto his fellow soldiers, both men and women, who serve us bravely, every day, to support and defend the Constitution.
I know all too well that Sergeant Giunta is right, and that every day our men and women in uniform, and their families, offer courageous service that deserves to be recognized. My hope is that as we honor Sergeant Giunta for gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, we may by extension offer to every member of our Armed Forces, and their families, our profound gratitude on behalf of the United States House of Representatives.
Boswell will also be jointly hosting a congressional ceremony with Members of the Iowa congressional delegation tomorrow in the Capitol Visitor’s Center. Senator Daniel Inouye, who received the Medial of Honors for actions taken on April 21, 1945 at Colle Musatello, Italy, will serve as the keynote speaker. Boswell will be joined by Senators Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley, and Congressmen Tom Latham, Steve King, Bruce Braley, and David Loebsack to present the Resolution to Staff Sgt. Giunta.
Logistical information follows.
WHO: Senator Daniel Inouye
Senator Tom Harkin
Senator Chuck Grassley
Congressman Leonard Boswell
Congressman Tom Latham
Congressman Steve King
Congressman Bruce Braley
Congressman Dave Loebsack
U.S. Army Chief of Staff General George W. Casey, Jr.
U.S. Sergeant Major of the Army Kenneth O. Preston
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta
WHAT: The presentation of a Joint Resolution honoring Iowa’s own Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta, recipient of the Medal of Honor.
WHEN: Wednesday, January 26, 2011. The presentation ceremony will begin at 1:45 pm.
WHERE: The Congressional Auditorium in the Capitol Visitors Center.
Source: Congressman Boswell
