Press Releases
On Sunday, October 2nd, U.S. Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) attended a homecoming ceremony to honor Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient, Sgt. Dakota Meyer at Lindsey Wilson College's Blue Raider Stadium in Columbia, Kentucky.
Rogers joined U.S. Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01), State Senate President David L. Williams, State Representative John "Bam" Carney, local dignitaries and college officials to welcome Sgt. Dakota Meyer home.
"Sgt. Meyer reminds me of the famous World War I hero, Sgt. Alvin York, who was also raised as a country boy with strong values. Someone who risked his own life to save his comrades, yet remains humble and prefers no recognition for his bravery," said Rogers. "Sgt. Meyer epitomizes Kentucky's valor, small town decency and courage. It was an honor to witness the prestigious Medal of Honor Ceremony in Washington, DC, but its also great to be a part of this hero's welcome home."
During the ceremony, Meyer received an American Flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in his honor, at the request of Congressman Rogers. Meyer also received a copy of Congressman Rogers' extension of remarks recorded in the official Congressional Record.
Sgt. Meyer is responsible for saving the lives of 13 fellow Marines and Army soldiers and 23 Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan two years ago.
"It's a great honor to get, but there's a heavy burden that comes with it. It's a huge price paid," said Sgt. Meyer. "I'm just here to represent veterans and any man or woman who wears a uniform is a hero."
Meyer has issued a "Challenge to America" to raise $1 million for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation by its 50th Anniversary on May 28, 2012. The foundation provides need-based scholarships for U.S. military families.
Rogers joined U.S. Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-01), State Senate President David L. Williams, State Representative John "Bam" Carney, local dignitaries and college officials to welcome Sgt. Dakota Meyer home.
"Sgt. Meyer reminds me of the famous World War I hero, Sgt. Alvin York, who was also raised as a country boy with strong values. Someone who risked his own life to save his comrades, yet remains humble and prefers no recognition for his bravery," said Rogers. "Sgt. Meyer epitomizes Kentucky's valor, small town decency and courage. It was an honor to witness the prestigious Medal of Honor Ceremony in Washington, DC, but its also great to be a part of this hero's welcome home."
During the ceremony, Meyer received an American Flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in his honor, at the request of Congressman Rogers. Meyer also received a copy of Congressman Rogers' extension of remarks recorded in the official Congressional Record.
Sgt. Meyer is responsible for saving the lives of 13 fellow Marines and Army soldiers and 23 Afghan soldiers in Afghanistan two years ago.
"It's a great honor to get, but there's a heavy burden that comes with it. It's a huge price paid," said Sgt. Meyer. "I'm just here to represent veterans and any man or woman who wears a uniform is a hero."
Meyer has issued a "Challenge to America" to raise $1 million for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation by its 50th Anniversary on May 28, 2012. The foundation provides need-based scholarships for U.S. military families.
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Photo cutline: Congressman Rogers presented Sgt. Dakota Meyer with an American Flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol in his honor
Photo Courtesy: Duane Bonifer/Lindsey Wilson College
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LINKS:
Click here to read Congressman Rogers' Extension of Remarks in the Congressional Record, recorded in the Library of Congress
Click here to read Congressman Rogers' op-ed in honor of Dakota Meyer, "Kentucky's Heroic Son"
Click here to visit the U.S. Marine website dedicated to Dakota Meyer.