{"id":2389,"date":"2024-12-23T17:45:00","modified":"2025-01-06T12:21:11","slug":"fetterman-colleagues-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-honoring-d-day-hero-henry-parham","link":"https:\/\/www.fetterman.senate.gov\/fetterman-colleagues-applaud-senate-passage-of-bill-honoring-d-day-hero-henry-parham\/","title":{"rendered":"Fetterman, Colleagues Applaud Senate Passage of Bill Honoring D-Day Hero Henry Parham"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON, D.C.<\/strong> \u2013 Last week, Senator John Fetterman celebrated the Senate\u2019s unanimous passage of a bipartisan bill to name the new Department of Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, as the Henry Parham VA Clinic. The legislation, introduced in the Senate by Senators Fetterman and Bob Casey, now awaits President Biden\u2019s signature. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) also supported this legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bill, co-led in the House by Congresswoman Summer Lee (D-PA) and Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), honors the extraordinary legacy of Private First Class Henry Parham, a Black World War II veteran and member of the historic 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. Mr. Parham\u2019s service on D-Day and decades of volunteer work for fellow veterans exemplify his lifelong commitment to his country and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHonoring our veterans is about action\u2014not just words. Henry Parham\u2019s courage on D-Day and his years of service to veterans in Pittsburgh make him a true American hero,\u201d said Senator Fetterman (D-PA).<\/strong> \u201cNaming this clinic after Henry is a small but meaningful way to ensure his legacy lives on and reminds us of the sacrifices made by so many who were denied equality at home while fighting for freedom abroad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHenry Parham\u2019s story reminds us that history is shaped by the courage of individuals who fought for freedom, even when denied it at home,\u201d said Congresswoman Lee (D-PA). <\/strong>\u201cTo see this bill pass unanimously through both the House and Senate is a testament to the unifying power of his legacy. It\u2019s also a reflection of what we can achieve when we work across the aisle for justice and recognition.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen he stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day, Henry Parham believed he was simply doing what he was \u2018supposed to do as an American.\u2019 When Henry came home, he continued serving his fellow veterans and his Nation, giving his time and energy at the VA in Pittsburgh,\u201d said Senator Casey (D-PA).<\/strong> \u201cTo call Henry a hero only begins to describe his selflessness and commitment to serving others, and renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville in his honor is one small way to ensure his actions are never forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHenry Parham is an American hero\u2014fighting the Nazis on the beaches of Normandy as a member of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion,\u201d said Congressman Reschenthaler (R-PA).<\/strong> \u201cThe longtime Pennsylvanian\u2019s courage and strength in the face of adversity should live on as a shining example for future generations. I am proud to introduce legislation renaming the VA clinic in Monroeville after Henry Parham in honor of his service and commitment to America.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private First Class Henry Parham served in the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, the only all-Black combat unit to land on D-Day. Under heavy enemy fire, Mr. Parham and his unit secured barrage balloons on Omaha Beach, protecting Allied forces and supply routes from low-flying German aircraft. For two months, his battalion\u2019s efforts helped safeguard the success of the Allied invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the war, Mr. Parham continued his service by volunteering at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center and his local American Legion post for decades. He was recognized as a chevalier of the French Legion of Honor in 2013 for his heroism during World War II.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Henry Parham passed away on July 4, 2021, at the age of 99. Naming the Monroeville VA clinic in his honor ensures his story of bravery, resilience, and dedication will inspire generations to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Biden signed H.R. 4955 into law<\/a> on January 2, 2025. <\/p>\n","protected":false}}