HONORING THE SERVICE AND MEMORY OF MAJOR ANDREW D. BYERS

On 2026-06-03, Representative Nicholas A. Langworthy (R-NY-23) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE AND MEMORY OF MAJOR ANDREW D. BYERS" in the House.

HONORING THE SERVICE AND MEMORY OF MAJOR ANDREW D. BYERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E521] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE AND MEMORY OF MAJOR ANDREW D. BYERS ______ HON. NICHOLAS A. LANGWORTHY of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. LANGWORTHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and service of Major Andrew D. Byers--a son of Clarence, New York, an American hero, and one of our Nation's very best. Major Byers embodied the values that define our greatest servicemen and women: courage, humility, leadership, and selfless devotion to others. From the halls of West Point to the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, he answered the call to serve with honor. On November 3, 2016, while supporting Afghan allies during combat operations in Kunduz Province, Major Byers gave his life protecting those beside him and leading his men to safety under enemy fire. His valor that day reflected the extraordinary character he carried throughout his entire life. Serving as Green Beret officer, Major Byers was entrusted with some of America's most difficult missions. His life stands as a reminder that true heroism is not measured only by medals or rank, but by a willingness to place the lives of others before your own. The story of Major Byers is one of extraordinary sacrifice, but also one of unwavering patriotism and commitment to the Nation he swore to defend. The Clarence community will gather to dedicate a portion of Sheridan Drive in his honor, ensuring that Major Andrew Byers' legacy will forever remain a visible part of the community he called home. Long after today, families driving that road, young people growing up in Clarence, and future generations of Americans will see his name and remember the price of freedom. It is fitting that his memory will stand alongside the Clarence Veterans Memorial and the countless tributes offered by a grateful community determined never to forget one of its fallen heroes. For Memorial Day, we are reminded that our respect is not confined to a single day. For Gold Star families across this Nation, remembrance lives every single day--in the empty chair at the dinner table, in the folded flag displayed at home, in birthdays celebrated without a loved one present, and in the quiet moments where sacrifice is felt most deeply. Memorial Day calls on all of us to pause and remember our Nation's greatest sons and daughters, those who gave everything so that we may live in freedom. Major Andrew Byers was one of those men. May we honor his sacrifice not only with words, but with lives worthy of the freedom he helped defend. ____________________