[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1406]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




[[Page E1406]]



           TRIBUTE TO U.S. AIR FORCE CAPT. CHRISTOPHER ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETER T. KING

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 30, 1996

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of my 
constituents who gave his life in defense of our Nation. U.S. Air Force 
Capt. Christopher Adams of Massapequa, NY, tragically lost his life in 
the brutal terrorist attack on the United States military installation 
in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
  A decorated officer who flew dangerous missions following the 
conclusion of the gulf war, and more recently over Bosnia, Captain 
Adams, in the words of the President, ``represented the best in America 
and gave America his best.'' He did indeed.
  The Korean War Memorial--one of the newest and most visually striking 
and emotionally moving monuments in Washington, DC--bears the words: 
``Freedom is not free.'' The terrorist attack on Dhahran drove home the 
meaning of those words.
  Throughout our Nation's history, brave men and women like Capt. 
Christopher Adams have understood that freedom is not free and put 
their lives on the line in defense of our liberty. In a world that 
remains a very dangerous place, we have great need of such individuals.
  Capt. Christopher Adams died in the service of his country and gave 
his life in the name of all for which America stands. It would be a 
great dishonor to his memory if, as some have suggested, the United 
States withdraw from the Middle East and other international 
flashpoints, and generally turn inward, away from the rest of the 
world. To do so would only play into the hands of terrorist murderers 
responsible for the Dhahran bombing. The United States of America must 
continue to play its vital role on the world stage.
  I extend my most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones 
of Captain Adams. They will be in my prayers, as will all those 
courageous and dedicated men and women in uniform who protect our 
freedom and defend our interests, both here and overseas.

                          ____________________