Congressman Smith watches the unveiling of the commissioned portrait.
Congressman Smith's family attended the event.
House Speaker John Boehner hailed Cong. Smith as a champion for those in need, especially veterans.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, left, listens to former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi talk about Cong. Smith's accomplishments for veterans.
The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, former VA Secretary Tony Principi and the heads of the America Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other Members of Congress and veterans leaders headlined a bipartisan event last night unveiling the official portrait of U.S. Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04), recognizing his years working for veterans and his term as Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
“I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity and privilege to serve on the Veterans Affairs Committee, especially as vice chair and chairman,” said Smith, who served 24 years on the Veterans Affairs Committee became chairman in 2001, a post he held through 2005. He authored 13 major bills that went on to be passed into law. “When even the most enlightened diplomacy and credible threat of force fails to deter dictatorships and extremists from aggression, the last and only means of protecting and preserving the people of the United States and our sacred freedoms are our men and women in uniform,” Smith said, recalling his own father who saw “horrific” combat in New Guinea and elsewhere in the South Pacific as an infantryman. “It is the soldier, sailor, airman and marine—and their noble families—who bear the greatest burden. It is America’s service members who endure long and dangerous deployments, separated from family.”
Amid a crowd that included friends, colleagues and family, the work of South Carolinian painter Michael Del Priore, the national award-winning portrait artist who previously painted Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates, as well as Congressman Henry Hyde and other congressional dignitaries, was unveiled in the stately Veterans Affairs Committee Room in the Cannon House Office Building.
Speaker Boehner noted how Smith tries to help others, including veterans.
“He sets out every day to make a difference, even if it means – especially if it means – doing the hard things and going the second mile,” the Speaker said. “He does more than represent people; he carries them on his back. And you all know what I’m talking about. Awards and accolades just don’t do this justice – but this portrait tonight, that’s something that lasts, which of course is what Chris Smith’s service is all about—lasting.”
The Speaker said the portrait “depicts a man of conscience, a leader of his word, and a faithful servant of the people. May it serve as a tribute to all the good we can achieve with hard work and sacrifice. Chris, I know I speak on behalf of all our colleagues when I say congratulations and God bless.”
Cantor said he could not recall anyone who has been more outspoken than Smith in fighting for people.
“I remember back in 2003 when we passed the Veterans Benefit Act, it was Chairman Smith who championed that and signed the law by President Bush,” the Majority Leader said. “This law brought significant support to those who served, and it would not have happened without the tenacity and dedication of Chris Smith. It expanded education benefits for spouses and children of our warriors; it made it easier for disabled vets to own a home or start a business—all the things we take for greatness, Chris wanted to make sure our veterans had the same.
“I have gotten to know Chris over the years… and I often call Chris the ‘moral compass’ of the House,” Cantor said. “He is an upstanding and honorable servant for the people of New Jersey and the people of America. It is my great honor to be here and share in this celebration.”
Also speaking about Smith’s contributions to the lives of veterans were Reps. Frank Wolf (VA-10), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), current VA Committee Chairman Jeff Miller (FL-01), Ranking Democrat Michael Michaud (ME-02), American Legion Executive Director John Sommer and VFW Executive Director Bob Wallace.
“The lives of many veterans have been bettered by the result of your leadership,” said Sommer.
The following are veterans bills sponsored by Smith:
