Floor SpeechNeutral2026-09-10

HONORING LENNY COLLINS

Veterans

Context

On 2026-09-10, Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-FL-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LENNY COLLINS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING LENNY COLLINS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E894] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LENNY COLLINS ______ HON. JIMMY PATRONIS of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 10, 2026 Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lenny Collins, a Vietnam War veteran, Marine, husband, and devoted member of the Pensacola community. Lenny dedicated his life to making sure the sacrifices of our veterans, and especially those who never came home, would never be forgotten. After visiting the Moving Wall in 1987, Lenny was inspired to bring a permanent memorial to Pensacola. Through years of determination, he turned that vision into Wall South in 1992, which ultimately became the Veterans Memorial Park we know today. But Lenny did not do this alone. By his side throughout this journey was his beloved wife, Gloria. For 57 years, Lenny and Gloria shared a life dedicated not only to one another, but to their fellow veterans and the community they called home. Together, they helped build a lasting place of remembrance that has touched countless families and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors each year. Lenny understood the weight of a name on the Wall and the pain carried by those who served in Vietnam. He took that personal experience and turned it into something meaningful for an entire community. Because of him, generations of Northwest Floridians will have a place to honor our fallen, remember their sacrifice, and teach their children that freedom is never free. Lenny leaves behind a tremendous legacy of service, love of country, and love for his community. His impact will live on every time a veteran visits Wall South, every time a family pauses at one of the memorials, and every time a young person learns about the sacrifices made to protect our freedom. My deepest condolences are with Gloria, their daughters, their family, and all of Lenny's friends and fellow Marines. I hope they find comfort knowing that Lenny's life made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lenny Collins and remembering a Marine who spent his life ensuring that America would never forget those who gave everything for our country. ____________________

View original source →

HONORING LENNY COLLINS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 143 (Thursday, September 10, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E894] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LENNY COLLINS ______ HON. JIMMY PATRONIS of florida in the house of representatives Thursday, September 10, 2026 Mr. PATRONIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Lenny Collins, a Vietnam War veteran, Marine, husband, and devoted member of the Pensacola community. Lenny dedicated his life to making sure the sacrifices of our veterans, and especially those who never came home, would never be forgotten. After visiting the Moving Wall in 1987, Lenny was inspired to bring a permanent memorial to Pensacola. Through years of determination, he turned that vision into Wall South in 1992, which ultimately became the Veterans Memorial Park we know today. But Lenny did not do this alone. By his side throughout this journey was his beloved wife, Gloria. For 57 years, Lenny and Gloria shared a life dedicated not only to one another, but to their fellow veterans and the community they called home. Together, they helped build a lasting place of remembrance that has touched countless families and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors each year. Lenny understood the weight of a name on the Wall and the pain carried by those who served in Vietnam. He took that personal experience and turned it into something meaningful for an entire community. Because of him, generations of Northwest Floridians will have a place to honor our fallen, remember their sacrifice, and teach their children that freedom is never free. Lenny leaves behind a tremendous legacy of service, love of country, and love for his community. His impact will live on every time a veteran visits Wall South, every time a family pauses at one of the memorials, and every time a young person learns about the sacrifices made to protect our freedom. My deepest condolences are with Gloria, their daughters, their family, and all of Lenny's friends and fellow Marines. I hope they find comfort knowing that Lenny's life made a lasting difference in the lives of so many. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lenny Collins and remembering a Marine who spent his life ensuring that America would never forget those who gave everything for our country. ____________________