[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 17 (Tuesday, February 26, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1199-S1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF BRAVO COMPANY, FIRST BATTALION, TWENTY-THIRD MARINES

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, for more than two centuries, the U.S. 
Marine Corps has exemplified the highest virtues of loyalty, service, 
and sacrifice. From the walls of Tunn Tavern during the Revolution to 
the far reaches of the Pacific, from the jungles of Vietnam to the vast 
expanse of the Arabian desert, and from the walls of Camp Rhino and the 
sand of the Kandahar Airport to Guantanamo Bay, America's Marines have 
shown the world the meaning of ``Semper Fi.''
  Through the long march of our history, few military organizations 
have been held in such high esteem as the

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U.S. Marine Corps. Our Marine Corps is composed of men and women of 
great character. They are smart, tough, dedicated, and faithful, truly 
the best America has to offer. For 226 years, they have stood for all 
that is great about this Nation: honor, courage, and commitment. Their 
values, sense of courage, and quiet, steadfast character remain 
timeless and valuable commodities for a time in which our Nation faces 
the greatest challenge of a generation. I have seen our Marines in 
action, and I am confident that no obstacle can block their determined 
path to victory.
  Through their great history, Marines have protected America's 
interests, struggled against our country's foes, and remained at the 
forefront of our nation's efforts to maintain global peace and 
stability. In hundreds of distant lands, from Nicaragua to Lebanon, 
from Saudi Arabia to Somalia, and from Afghanistan to Cuba, Marines 
restored and maintained order, aided people in distress, provided 
protection for the weak, and upheld the values that have come to define 
our country on the world stage. Many made the ultimate sacrifice in the 
service of their country, and we honor their memory.
  I am proud to represent the State of Louisiana, a land which is 
steeped in Corps history. When the British attacked American forces on 
the fields of Chalmette outside of New Orleans, a contingent of Marines 
contributed to an ultimate American victory. This engagement came to be 
known as the Battle of New Orleans, and served as a powerful statement 
of American boldness on the battlefield.
  It gives me great pride to have the city of New Orleans host the 
headquarters of the Fourth Marine Division which commands more than 
104,000 Reserve Marines nationwide. I am truly grateful for the 
services that our reserves perform every month. A Marine Corps 
reservist serves his country an average of 36 days a year. These men 
and women are of a truly superior caliber, as they dedicate over a 
month of the year to national service while working hard in the private 
sector, getting an education, and raising their families.
  I would like to extend my personal commendation to the Marines of 
Bravo Company, First Battalion, Twenty-third Marines as they conclude 
their deployment to Guantanamo Bay. I want to assure you that the 
members of the U.S. Senate and the Senate Committee on Armed Services 
are personally grateful for your service. Our Nation's freedom was won 
through the toil and sweat of thousands of volunteers who dropped their 
plows and left their families during the revolution. After they had 
proved themselves in the realm of battle, they went back to their 
fields and their families and created our civic institutions. You 
Marines are the rightful heirs to their tradition, and I trust that our 
Nation can rely on you to defend our freedom.
  As we set out in this new century, the importance of our Marine Corps 
has never been more clear. Tomorrow, as today and for generations past, 
the razor sharp readiness of the United States Marine Corps serves as a 
beacon to America's friends and a warning to our enemies, promising 
swift action, great victories and richer traditions yet to come.
  On this day, I offer my warmest gratitude to Bravo Company, First 
Battalion, Twenty-third Marines and all who wear the eagle, globe and 
anchor, and to the families who also serve by supporting them.

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