Congressman John Murtha

John Patrick Murtha Jr. was born on June 17, 1932 in West Virginia. He graduated from high school in 1950. Murtha attended college, but did not graduate. He was in the United States Marine Corps for three years. Then he was in the Marine Corp Reserves for eleven years. He did not become a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives until 1967. Once he finished up in the Marine Corps in 1969, he entered the field of politics. In 1974 he was elected as a Democratic congressman for the Ninety-third Congress in a special election. Murtha was elected due to the sad death of John P. Saylor. Murtha remained in office until his death on February 8, 2010 in Arlington, Virginia.
Mr. Callihan, 8th grade civics teacher, stated, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Congressman Murtha. He did a great job raising the economy for our local community after the 1977 flood. He was a good congressman. Also, the 8th grade students did a wonderful job on Tuesday [February16th] for Congressman Murtha’s procession. I have personally received emails and phone calls from local leaders saying they were greatly impressed by the seriousness of our students.”
The 8th grade students had a once in a lifetime chance to be a part of history. Mr. Callihan got the students security clearance from the FBI to line the students along Luzerne Street to pay tribute to Congressman Murtha as his hearse went by. Former President Bill Clinton was riding in a limo during the procession. Many famous congressmen and women and state officials were there and appreciated the 8th graders’ respect.