” . . . for his outstanding efforts to promote courage, sacrifice, and patriotism throughout the Nation.”
Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON, DC . . . Recently, the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation presented Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) with the Patriot Award for his outstanding efforts to promote courage, sacrifice, and patriotism throughout the Nation. Lieutenant Mike Thornton, a retired U.S. Navy Seal and previous Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, presented the award at the 2013 Patriot Award Dinner in Dallas on October 19th, with 17 previous recipients present.
“I am humbled by a sense of gratitude for this high honor – and a sense of awe for being in the company of those who have received such recognition in the past,” said Hall. Hall noted that Congressman Sam Johnson, a previous Patriot Award recipient, is a dear friend and colleague who served in the Korean and Vietnam War. During his 25th combat mission in Vietnam, he was shot down over North Vietnam and was a Prisoner of War for seven years.
Hall also referenced another fellow Patriot Award recipient, Ross Perot, who is known for his generosity – particularly to his hometown, Texarkana. Earlier this year he bestowed $1 million to save Texarkana College, with the commitment of $4 million more over the next four years. Mr. Perot also worked to restore Texarkana’s regional arts center, which is now appropriately named in his honor.
“The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation is doing so much to promote American values and qualities that have led to America’s greatness and that have endured throughout our Nation’s rich history – courage, sacrifice, patriotism, citizenship, integrity, and commitment,” said Hall.
Hall continued, “During World War II I had the privilege of serving my country as a Navy pilot in the Pacific Theatre. So many brave young men gave their lives for the cause of freedom in that War and in the other Wars that America has fought. We owe all of our Veterans a debt of gratitude for their courage, their service, their patriotism, and for the freedom that we have today.
“My years of public service also have been a privilege. Since 1980, I’ve had the honor of serving the great people of the Fourth District of Texas as their Congressman. My desire to represent the views of my district and my commitment to American values has never wavered – nor has my sense of responsibility that we do all we can for the brave servicemen and women who are patriots and heroes to us all. I accept this award on their behalf.”
