[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 44 (Thursday, March 9, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3695-S3696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ATTACKS IN PAKISTAN
Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, yesterday we learned of the attack on three
Americans on their way to work at the United States Consulate in
Karachi, Pakistan. While they were stopped at a traffic light, gunmen
jumped out of a yellow taxi and opened fire with AK-47 assault rifles.
Two of the Americans were killed: Jackie van Landingham, a secretary;
and Gary Durell, a communications technician. And I know I speak for
every Senator when I extend our deepest sympathy to the friends and
families of these two Americans who were killed in service to their
Nation in a changing and often dangerous world.
Mr. President, the third American, a young man from Framingham, MA,
Mark McCloy, who worked in the consulate's post office, was injured in
the attack and was taken to Agha Khan Hospital. He is now in stable
condition. Last evening I spoke with his mother, Muriel McCloy, in
Massachusetts, and I have assured her that the United States is doing
everything we can to bring those who are responsible for this terrorist
act to justice; and I assured her that we would do everything we can to
bring her son home safely.
Mr. President, this attack reminds us of the dangers that exist in
the world and the courage of those who choose to serve their country in
spite of those dangers. We cannot underestimate the commitment of
foreign service personnel who serve at a time when the post-cold-war
world realigns--and the national, regional, religious, and cultural
interests of peoples in every country are put to the test of
sovereignty and self-determination. The courage and contribution of the
men and women of the foreign service in this new world deserve our
admiration and our respect.
So, Mr. President, though we are saddened by this tragedy, we are
also strengthened in our appreciation of the contribution of those who
serve. To the thousands of Americans around the world who have suffered
the separation from families and home, from friends and loved ones, to
embark on a great adventure to promote peace, understanding, and the
principles of American foreign policy--in the name of those who have
paid the ultimate price--we salute you.
Mr. President, for Jackie van Landingham and Gary Durell the
adventure came to an end in a distant land, but for those of us at home
who reap the benefits of their sacrifice, their memory will never die.
[[Page S3696]] Mr. President, in light of this tragedy let us honor
the thousands of men and women in the foreign service who ask little
from us, but contribute a lot. And let us pray for the speedy recovery
of Mark McCloy, and for the friends and families of those who,
yesterday, gave their lives in service to their country.
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