[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       REMEMBERING ONE OF OUR OWN

                                 ______


                         HON. ROMANO L. MAZZOLI

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 1994

  Mr. MAZZOLI. Mr. Speaker, 6 years ago, on February 17, 1988, U.S. 
Marine Col. William R. Higgins was taken hostage by pro-Iranian Shiite 
Muslims while commanding a United Nations (U.N.) observer group along 
the Israel-Lebanon border. He was later murdered by his kidnappers in 
retribution for Israel's kidnapping of Sheik Abdul-Karim Obeid, a 
Shiite Moslem cleric and Hezbollah leader.
  It is unfortunate that we must have an anniversary such as this, but 
it is important that we as a nation remember those who have fallen in 
the service of our country.
  Colonel Higgins was born in Lancaster, KY, and grew up in my hometown 
of Louisville and Jefferson County, KY. He joined the Marines and later 
became a member of the U.N. peacekeeping force in Lebanon. It was in 
his position as a leader of an observer team along the Israel-Lebanon 
border that Colonel Higgins was kidnapped and later murdered by 
terrorists.
  This incident raises the question of whether or not U.S. troops 
stationed abroad, especially in the position of U.N. peacekeeping 
troops, are sufficiently protected. It is the responsibility of the 
United States to ensure that Americans serving in the United Nations as 
blue berets are treated not as hostages when captured, but as prisoners 
protected by the Geneva Convention. Recent events have shown that the 
United Nations has neither the capability nor the resources to protect 
U.S. soldiers. It is also evident that episodes that have been played 
out before the television cameras of the world cannot be allowed to 
continue.
  It is important for us to remember that Colonel Higgins was a part of 
the force that was to make the world a safer place. We should also 
remember that as the world becomes more and more volatile, the United 
States must make firm decisions that will protect our troops should 
their services be required to keep the peace abroad. What is called for 
are decisions made with deliberation, foresight and extreme caution.
  As a tribute to the memory of Colonel Higgins, and to his widow 
Marine Lt. Col. Robin Higgins, the U.S. Navy has announced plans to 
name a new warship the Colonel William R. Higgins, a guided missile 
destroyer, which is set to be launched in 1998.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering all those who have 
given their lives in the service of our Nation, but in particular let 
us remember a fine Marine, a loyal husband and patriotic citizen * * * 
Col. William R. Higgins.

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