mr. william mcdowell. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, mr. m mcdowell, representative of the montford point marines, united states marine corps. [applause] >> good afternoon. if i do not talk loud enough. let me know. for 167 years, negros were not permitted to join the marine corps to defend this country. that change did 1941 and entreated begin in 1942. -- that condition changed in 1941 and entry began in 1942. unfortunately, it took a world war to make it happen. it happened. on behalf of those who came forward and said, i want to be a marine, i welcome you to this occasion because you all were directly involved. at this very proud moment and in this magnificent then you, i -- and in this magnificent venue, i want to thank the honorable speaker of the house, mr. john boehner for his kind invitation to each of us that are here today. [applause] i want to thank the members of the united states senate and the house of representatives who supported the bill to honor the montford point marines with a congressional gold medal and a particular tha

mr. william mcdowell. [applause] >> ladies and gentlemen, mr. m mcdowell, representative of the monfort point marines, united states marine corps. [applause] >> good afternoon. if i do not talk loud enough. let me know. for 167 years, negros were not permitted to join the marine corps to defend this country. that change did 1941 and entreated begin in 1942. unfortunately, it took a world war to make it happen. it happened. on behalf of those who came forward and said, i want to be a marine, i welcome you to this occasion because you all were directly involved. at this very proud moment and in this magnificent then you, i want to thank the honorable speaker of the house, mr. john boehner for his kind invitation to each of us that are here today. [applause] i want to thank the members of the united states senate and the house of representatives who supported the bill to honor the monfort point marines with a congressional gold medal and a particular thanks to corrine brown of florida. [cheers and applause] senator hagen of north carolina who made i