Washington, DC—Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor and remember Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza. Lance Corporal Espinoza posthumously received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service to our country.

“On August 26 at 9:44 AM our lives were changed forever. An ISIS-K terrorist group sent suicide bombers to kill Afghan citizens and American servicemembers.  This is event is the deadliest single day of war for the United States in over a decade,” said Congressman Cuellar. “After graduation from high school, Lance Corporal Espinoza chose to join the Marine Corps with the intention of protecting our nation and demonstrating his selfless acts of service. When I heard what happened in Afghanistan I was heartbroken and reminded of our armed forces’ selfless acts of service. Lance Corporal Espinoza embodied the values of America—values of grit, dedication, service, and valor. Lance Corporal Espinoza and the other fallen servicemembers will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service. We will always remember you and your ultimate sacrifice. The brave never die.”

Lance Corporal Espinoza, originally from Rio Bravo, was killed in action—along with 12 other servicemembers—during the U.S. exit from Afghanistan at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

According to the History, Art and Archives of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Congressional Gold Medal is this highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions.

A recording of Congressman Cuellar’s speech can be found here.

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Congressman Henry Cuellar is a senior member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee. Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.  Sign up to receive Congressman Cuellar’s E-mail Newsletters 
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Por favor tomen en cuenta el congresista Cuellar habla inglés y español con fluidez