Congresswoman Matsui Floor Speech on Heroes from Sacramento
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
CONTACT: JULIE EDDY
(202) 225-7163
Congresswoman Matsui Floor Speech on Heroes from Sacramento
Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-06) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives in advance of the City of Sacramento's parade to honor Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler, the three men from the Sacramento region that prevented a terrorist attack in France on August 21st. Her full remarks are below:
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary actions of Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone, Army National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos, and college student Anthony Sadler. These three courageous young Americans drew the attention of the world on August 21st when they bravely took action to prevent a terrorist attack that could have taken the lives of dozens of innocent people on a passenger train in France.
"By now, most of the country, and the world, has heard the heroic story of these three men. Spencer, Alek, and Anthony were on a train from Amsterdam to Paris, as part of their European vacation. A terrorist, intending to murder passengers, boarded their train. When the attacker, armed with at least two firearms including an assault rifle with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, entered the train car, the three responded without hesitation.
"Witnesses say that Alek prompted action by yelling, "Go get andlsquo;em!" Spencer charged and tackled the gunman, with Alek and Anthony close behind. The three men, with the help of another passenger, tackled, subdued, and disarmed the attacker before anyone else was seriously injured. The attacker managed to wound Spencer with a box cutter during the struggle. Despite his injuries, Spencer used his Air Force medic training to treat the wound of another passenger, likely saving his life.
"Mr. Speaker, I am very proud that all three of these heroes are from the Sacramento region. They met at a local middle school and have maintained a close friendship ever since. Their friendship and loyalty to each other is part of what makes Sacramento and our nation so great.
"Spencer grew up in Carmichael, outside of Sacramento, and attended Del Campo High School. He currently serves as a U.S. Air Force medic. Alek is also from Carmichael and had moved to Oregon. He serves in the Oregon National Guard and had just finished a nine month deployment in Afghanistan.
"Anthony is studying kinesiology at California State University, Sacramento. He grew up in Sacramento. His father is a pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, a historical church in our community and has been a friend of the Matsui family for many years. As he related to me, he always told Anthony to always watch each other's back. That's what friends do.
"Mr. Speaker, Spencer, Alek, and Anthony's actions were nothing short of remarkable. They have given all Americans a reason to celebrate. They have been awarded the French Legion of Honour, Sacramento will be throwing them a parade on Friday, and I am sure more accolades will follow. However, more important than any accolade is that they have reminded us about the importance of service, sacrifice, and selflessness. All three men deserve commendation for the manner in which they have represented our nation and put themselves in harm's way to save the lives of others.
"Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizing Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler as we honor their bravery."
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