HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT PETER HART
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HON. STEVE ISRAEL
of New York
in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to the life and legacy of Sergeant Peter Hart, a soldier and New York City Police Officer, who served in the American Civil War.
Sergeant Hard will be remembered for valiantly leaving New York to join in the defense of Fort Sumter in January 1861. Major Robert Anderson, Commander of Fort Sumter, had served with him in the Mexican American War. As tensions between the North and South increased, Major Anderson’s wife requested Sergeant Hart join the defense of Fort Sumter. Early in the morning of April 12, 1861 the first shots of the American Civil War rang out. By afternoon the shelling had knocked the American flag from the flagstaff flying over the fort. Sergeant Hart proudly retrieved the fallen flag, climbed up the flagstaff and successfully reattached it. His refusal to allow the flag to lie torn and tattered serves as a symbol of the unwavering spirit of all Americans who defend our Nation in the Civil War.
I offer my recognition of Sergeant Peter Hart on the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. Sergeant Hart’s courage not only inspired the brave men at Fort Sumter. His patriotic spirit and devotion to our Nation continues to inspire Americans today.