Little League Museum Hall of Excellence Honors Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis

Remarks as prepared for delivery

Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson
July 20, 2011

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Since 1947, every August, the Little League Baseball World Series is held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, within Pennsylvania’s Fifth Congressional District.

Each year, Little League International recognizes Little League graduates who have become outstanding citizens and role models as adults, for induction into the Little League Museum Hall of Excellence.

Among previous recipients of this honor include prominent figures, such as Vice President Joe Biden in 2009, General Peter Pace in 2003, and Former New York Mayor Rudi Giuliani in 2002.

This year’s ceremony will prove to be extra special.

For 2011, Little League International plans to enshrine the first ever Little League graduate known to have received our nation's highest military award, the Medal of Honor.

That person is Army Private First Class Ross Andrew McGinnis, of Knox, Pennsylvania.

Ross McGinnis played second base and outfield for six years and is a graduate of Little League in Knox Pennsylvania, also in the Fifth District.

In 2006, Army Pfc. Ross McGinnis heroically gave his life to save four others from a grenade blast inside a Humvee during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

On June 2, 2008, McGinnis was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his heroic actions.

“In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion,” the official citation read, which was awarded by President George Bush.

McGinnis‘s mother, Romayne, says baseball taught her son teamwork and a commitment to achieving common goals.

Today, because of McGinnis’s sacrifice and commitment to others, four men will live on to enjoy their families and their futures.

Congratulations to you, Ross Andrew McGinnis, we thank you for your service and may you rest in peace.

Thank you to Little League International for recognizing Mr. McGinnis’s heroic achievements.

To the McGinnis family, we are proud of your son, a true American hero.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

###