Our region on Monday lost a friend, indeed.
We also lost a great leader and humanitarian.
Perhaps no face was more recognizable to our residents than that of John P. Murtha, who died in a Virginia hospital from complications from gallbladder surgery.
He was 77.
Mr. Murtha arguably was the most powerful and influential individual to have ever called Johnstown home.
Shock waves could be felt rumbling across our region Monday afternoon as word quickly spread of his death.
Indeed, his passing leaves a leadership void not only here in western Pennsylvania, but across our nation.
As a statesman, he was that strong.
His will extended far beyond the boundaries of the 12th Congressional District. He ranked perhaps among the top dozen or two politicians in our nation.
In a sad twist of irony, the Westmont Democrat just two days before his death became the longest-serving representative in Pennsylvania history.
“Jack is emblematic of the hardworking Pennsylvanians that he has represented for 36 years, as well as those that each of us represent,” said U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, a fellow Democrat who serves the 11th district in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Mr. Murtha had a long and distinguished career in the Marine Corps, having served 37 years. He retired from the Marine Corps Reserve as a colonel in 1990 and was the first combat veteran of the Vietnam War to be elected to Congress.
He was the recipient of two Purple Heart Awards
His personal honors were many and included the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
The congressman was also a caring individual who was able to get things done in a big way.
Following a devastating flood in 1977, he led a charge that changed the landscape of our region’s economy.
Defense and high-tech industries replaced steel mills and coal mines. Today, they thrive because of Mr. Murtha’s abilities to secure funding and lobby contract talks among big players in those fields throughout the world.
There is little doubt that his death has left our area economically susceptible, despite what some might believe.
But Murtha’s imprint on our region extends well beyond industry and jobs.
It includes medicine and research. It includes the battles against cancer and diabetes.
His name is attached to airports and buildings and clinics.
While we mourn his death, we will celebrate his life, which has had a profound impact on all of us.
Farewell, Jack.
Editorials
Congressman John Murtha: 1932-2010
- Editorials
-
-
Readers' Forum 2-11 | Liberals’ slow, steady assault on America
Recently, Health and (in)Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued an edict demanding Catholic hospitals and institutions to provide contraceptives, abortifacients and other sterilization drugs under the so-called Affordable Care Act.
-
Laurels and barbs
Laurel: Richland High School students who qualify will be offered a golden educational opportunity this fall. In the first such program in Cambria County, students will be able to simultaneously earn their high school diplomas and associate degrees in general studies from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
-
Readers' Forum 2-10 | Pastor: Area churches are in distress
As a retired pastor, I have the opportunity to preach in many churches in the area. What I am seeing is most alarming.
-
Neighborhoods urged ‘to step up’
When government officials and community groups talk about neighborhood improvements, blight elimination and trash and litter cleanups, our ears perk up.
-
Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
The article, “Military finds troops ailing; problems create health care backlog,” published Feb. 2 by USA Today, impressed me so profoundly that I just can’t keep myself from bringing it to your attention.
-
Take in a high school play
“Peter Pan” has already done a flyby at Windber Area High School.
-
Readers' Forum 2-8 | Ambulance crew following protocol
In response to the Readers’ Forum letter on Feb. 3 by Molly Comperatore, “Ambulance assoc. bill extravagant, unethical”:
-
Protect young lungs
A recent CDC study concludes that too many kids are breathing others’ smoke in cars.
-
Richard Dreyfuss | Future generations will come out on losing end of budget
As the governor’s state budget undergoes intense scrutiny, there is no shortage of speculation surrounding various fiscal austerity proposals and which departments and programs will likely be the ultimate budgetary “winners and losers.”
-
‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Readers' Forum 2-11 | Liberals’ slow, steady assault on America
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48
Maine GOP Chairman Says Romney Wins Caucuses
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
