Corporal Matthew A. Wyatt Post Office

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 8976, to rename the post office in Millstadt, Illinois, in honor of a fallen hero, Corporal Matthew Wyatt.

Matt was a marine, serving in Iraq's Al Anbar Province when a suicide bomber approached his base in a truck loaded with explosives. Matt and another marine quickly took action to attempt to block the breach, but the explosion killed both servicemen instantly.

Yesterday marked the 20th anniversary of their passing. Now, despite the passage of time, it is a mile marker that I am sure gets no easier for his loved ones left behind. It is a pain many of us could not imagine.

Matt had something special. He had something he couldn't learn by watching television or even being taught in a classroom. He was instilled with a commitment to his country that is really tough to find today.

Now, I spoke about Matt's background when I introduced this legislation in the spring, but it is important for me to share it again. Military service was in Matt's blood. It came from his father, Marine Gunnery Sergeant Alan Wyatt, and two grandfathers, one Army and one Navy.

When his mother, Verlene, asked if he was willing to go to war, without hesitation Matt said yes. His bravery in battle earned him the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. His commanding officer personally traveled to Millstadt to present the family with his medals.

Though we mourn a precious life cut short, we honor a legacy that runs long. This is a small and meaningful tribute to a small-town southern Illinoisan who made a big difference for his country.

I am proud today that the people's House is taking the opportunity to honor him. I encourage all of my colleagues here to support this bill and pass H.R. 8976 in honor of Corporal Matthew Wyatt of Millstadt, Illinois. Semper fi, marine. Oorah.

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