Floor SpeechNeutral2026-04-23

HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR.

DefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-04-23, Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR." in the House. The speech addressed defense and also covered veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3072] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR. (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I honor the life and the legacy of Lieutenant General Robert G. Gard, Jr. General Gard recently passed at 98 years young after a life dedicated to service, including a three-decade military career serving in Korea and Vietnam, leadership at educational institutions across the country, and advocacy to ban land mines and for our veterans. While he was a well-decorated soldier and well-renowned for his service to the country, General Gard's impact on our Monterey community was unparalleled. After serving as the commanding general of the former Fort Ord, General Gard spent more than a decade as the President of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. With his leadership, General Gard bolstered the institution's international reputation while connecting with students, faculty, and the greater Monterey community. He served at all levels, including helping us create the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. My heart goes out to his wife, Janet, and all those whose lives he touched. I am deeply grateful for General Gard's lifetime of loyalty, duty, and respect, and I am thankful for his legacy of service that affects everybody in the 19th Congressional District of California. ____________________

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HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3072] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIFE AND LEGACY OF ROBERT G. GARD, JR. (Mr. PANETTA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I honor the life and the legacy of Lieutenant General Robert G. Gard, Jr. General Gard recently passed at 98 years young after a life dedicated to service, including a three-decade military career serving in Korea and Vietnam, leadership at educational institutions across the country, and advocacy to ban land mines and for our veterans. While he was a well-decorated soldier and well-renowned for his service to the country, General Gard's impact on our Monterey community was unparalleled. After serving as the commanding general of the former Fort Ord, General Gard spent more than a decade as the President of the Monterey Institute of International Studies. With his leadership, General Gard bolstered the institution's international reputation while connecting with students, faculty, and the greater Monterey community. He served at all levels, including helping us create the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. My heart goes out to his wife, Janet, and all those whose lives he touched. I am deeply grateful for General Gard's lifetime of loyalty, duty, and respect, and I am thankful for his legacy of service that affects everybody in the 19th Congressional District of California. ____________________