WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Beth Van Duyne today delivered a speech on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Texas-24 resident and local leader Terry Barker, who passed away in Saturday's Dallas Air Show crash. 

Click here or the photo above to watch the floor speech.

REMARKS PREPARED:

"I rise today with a heavy heart. Over the weekend, tragedy struck North Texas as six lives were taken in an air show honoring our veterans. One victim was Texas-24 resident and local leader Terry Barker.

Terry was the epitome of an all-American hero. An army veteran and American Airlines Pilot of 36 years, Terry spent decades of his storied and accomplished life serving others. His service in the Army and unmatched dedication to honoring veterans is a testament to the kind of man Terry was.

Just last week, to pay tribute to veterans, Terry helped set up the Keller Field of Honor: 1,776 full-size U.S. flags dedicated to 1,776 heroes. He then took to the skies one last time in a World War II era B-17 bomber to pay tribute to the Greatest Generation.

Terry was also a dedicated public servant, spending two terms as a Keller City Councilman. My friend and colleague, Keller Mayor Armin Mizani, described Terry as his mentor, and an “outgoing and selfless man who always had a joke to share.”

Texas-24 lost an American patriot, public servant, and beloved friend this week. I ask you to please join me in praying for Terry, his family, and all of those affected by this weekend’s tragedy."