I'm sure Easton gadfly Billy Givens would laugh at the irony that he and Congressman John Murtha would die within a few, scant hours of each other. LV Congressman Charlie Dent never met Billy, but he knew John Murtha, and just released this statement:“I’m saddened at the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack devoted himself to public service, as a decorated Marine who saw active duty in Vietnam, and as the longest-serving Member of Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation in history. He greatly loved his country and the community he represented for 36 years. And he was a hard-working advocate for Pennsylvania and for our men and women in uniform.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Congressman’s Murtha’s family and to his many friends.”
Within moments of receiving Charlie Dent's statement, another came from President Barack Obama:
"Michelle and I were deeply saddened today to hear about the passing of Congressman John Murtha. Jack was a devoted husband, a loving father and a steadfast advocate for the people of Pennsylvania for nearly 40 years. His passion for service was born during his decorated career in the United States Marine Corps, and he went on to earn the distinction of being the first Vietnam War combat veteran elected to Congress. Jack’s tough-as-nails reputation carried over to Congress, where he became a respected voice on issues of national security. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce, their three children, and the entire Murtha family."
