Cohen Remembers the Victims of the USS Fitzgerald Tragedy on the House Floor

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) took to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives today to honor the seven United States Navy sailors who died after the USS Fitzgerald collided with a Japanese container ship off the coast of Japan on June 17, 2017. A full video of Congressman Cohen's remarks can be found here.

"I came here…to honor the seven Americans who died on the USS Fitzgerald," said Congressman Cohen in his remarks. "…They are representative of our United States Navy. From different backgrounds, [they were] given an opportunity to serve our country…I had the honor of going on a Naval sub about 10 days ago, the [USS] Providence, and I saw the camaraderie on that ship. There were no Caucasian sailors or African-American sailors or Asian-American or Latin-American. There weren't gay or straight sailors. They were United States sailors…They come together in camaraderie to serve our country and to serve each other as shipmates in a way that is gratifying to witness and is special for our nation…I'm honored to be in Congress but more honored to represent people in the United States Navy [at the Millington Naval Base]. And I thank those seven sailors for their valiant efforts and for giving their lives in service to their country."

You can read more about the victims in The New York Times and The Daily Beast stories referenced by the Congressman in the video here and here.