Pelosi Remarks at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring the First Special Service Force
Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered remarks Tuesday at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the First Special Service Force. Below are the Leader's remarks:
"Good afternoon. Speaker Boehner, Leader McConnell, Senator Durbin, Minister O'Toole, General Votel, Mr. Ambassador, Mr. Ambassador, Secretary McHugh, Whip Hoyer, thank you, and all of you, our special guests.
"What a wonderful afternoon it is and made possible because Congressman Jeff Miller, the chairman of our Veterans Affairs Committee in the House and Senator Jon Tester introduced legislation remembering the First Special Service Force. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Senator. We can applaud them; that would be good. Again, again. And thank you, Mr. Speaker, for bringing us all together.
[Applause]
"It is fitting that we are gathered here in Emancipation Hall, because the heroes we honor today helped win the fight to free the world of tyranny. For generations, our northern neighbor has been vital as a trusted ally and friend to our country. The First Special Service Force, made up of men from both the United States and Canada, continues that tradition. Canadians and U.S. citizens, men who made their living laboring as lumberjacks and trappers, mountaineers and miners, answered the call to serve and changed the course of the war. Two great democracies came together to help defeat the Axis. Together, they trained for stealth combat in arctic conditions. Together, they sacrificed personal safety to save the world.
"I take special pride in recognizing that the leader of this elite unit, a man of courage, conviction and character, was a proud son of San Francisco who returned to his beloved California after the war, the late Major General Robert T. Frederick.
[Applause]
"Undaunted by the seemingly impossible mission before him, Frederick raised, trained and led the unit, and was awarded a record eight Purple Hearts. Today, it is our privilege to honor him and especially the people he led: those who are here, those that are not with us. We are honored that some of these legends are here today and we remember so many husbands and fathers, sons and brothers, who never returned.
"The First Special Service Force was given the moniker ‘The Black Devils,' for conducting missions with their faces obscured by black boot polish. Under the cover of night they trudged through mountainous terrain, surprised enemy camps, captured thousands of prisoners and, eventually, breached the gates of Rome to help liberate the Eternal City. Today, a plaque hangs on a section of the walls surrounding Rome in honor of their sacrifices.
"Although the First Special Service Force was disbanded in 1944, the legacy of this indomitable force lives on today in today's Special Forces: the U.S. Army Special Forces known as the Green Berets and First Special Force Operational Detachment Delta, known as the Delta Force. Some are with us today. Thank you for your service to our country.
"These heroes remind us that although victory is never certain, where there is courage, where there is unity, where people are willing to sacrifice their own comfort to help save the lives of others, victory is possible.
"It is our privilege to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II veterans of the First Special Service Force, and to recognize the enduring partnership of Canada and the United States. May God continue to bless both of our countries. Thank you."
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