John Murtha's Life in Politics

On February 8, 2010 Pennsylvania Congressman John P. Murtha passed away due to complications from an earlier gallbladder surgery. Murtha was a man who had gained a lot of appeal with people both inside and outside of politics. His story is one of amazing service and loyalty to the United States. At the time of his passing, he was well known for his power in politics and his amazing track record in saying what needed to be said.

John Murtha was born on June 17, 1932 in New Martinsville, West Virginia. Growing up, he showed great strength and leadership, enough of which to earn him the title of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He also held a couple of jobs as a youth. From the beginning, Murtha was willing to serve diligently for his family, community, and country. In 1952, Murtha made the choice to join the United States Marine Corps. At that point, he dropped from Washington and Jefferson College just to serve as a protector for the nation which he loved. He served in the Marine Corps until his retirement from the Corps Reserves as a colonel in 1990, a total of 37 years of devoted service.

In 1974, Murtha began serving the people of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional district. Throughout his career in politics, Murtha struggled hard to provide for the people he served. Unlike many politicians, John Murtha truly brought politics to the people in a way which made life better for the people of Pennsylvania. In 1979, Murtha co-founded the Congressional Steel Caucus to fight subsidized steel imports and keep America's steel industry running strong.

Murtha also cared about the heritage and tourism aspects of Pennsylvania to a great extent. Early in his career, Murtha created a heritage region which the National Heritage Area Program eventually became modeled after. John Murtha has also helped to secure funds to preserve and maintain a variety of national heritage sites. Also, authored by Murtha was legislation establishing the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania. Throughout his years, John P. Murtha proved that he was in politics for far more than just power. He was proud of the country in which he lived and did all that he could to not let it fall apart.

Some of the many things John Murtha fought for while in congress were the protection of Social Security, veteran's and miner's benefits, a higher minimum wage, a patient's bill of rights, and prescription drug benefits, But, John Murtha has become extremely well known during the past decade for speaking out against the war in Iraq. Throughout his time in congress, Murtha has been outspoken when it came to topics he felt needed to be addressed. When the war in Iraq began, he couldn't keep silent for long. He hated seeing men and women dying for a no reason. He understood that there was some good which came out of the start of the war. But, he also understood that there is no reason for many brave men and women to give their lives to better a country with no desire to better themselves. Murtha made sure that everyone knew his position, and many citizens, politicians, and military personnel loved and respected him for that.

Although John Murtha has passed on and will no longer be able to fight for the needs of the people, many people have grown to honor his ways and will help to continue the progress which he has made. As our nation moves forward, John Murtha's memory will continue to make the selfish and power-hungry think twice about how they run the United States of America.

For more information about John P. Murtha's life and service please visit www.murtha.house.gov.