[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 36 (Friday, March 25, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   TRAGEDY AT POPE AIR FORCE BASE, NC

  Mr. FAIRCLOTH. Mr. President, the day before yesterday two Air Force 
planes collided over Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. While the 
crew members of one plane were able to eject, and the crew of the 
second was spared when it was able to safely land, fiery debris from 
the crash was showered over a runway.
  On that runway was another plane and group of Army paratroopers in a 
staging area preparing to board it. The falling debris killed some 20 
people, and injured over 80 others. Many of those injured are in grave 
jeopardy.
  Mr. President, the hearts of all North Carolinians go out to the 
families and friends of those who yesterday paid the ultimate price to 
defend our freedom. Too often we forget the sacrifices that are made 
every day, often in remote and desolate locations far removed from the 
glare of television cameras, to protect the peace that this Nation 
enjoys.
  Yesterday we learned once again that it is not a cliche to say that 
the price of freedom is high. Those that paid that price join the 
unbroken line of those without whom this country would have long ago 
perished. Today, we honor them.

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