[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 7, 2002)]
[House]
[Pages H2127-H2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
EXPRESSING REGRET AND SYMPATHY FOR FAMILIES OF CANADIAN SOLDIERS WHO
LOST THEIR LIVES IN SOUTHERN AFGHANISTAN
Mr. HOUGHTON. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 412) expressing regret and sympathy for the
families of the 4 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives on April 17,
2002, in a friendly-fire incident in southern Afghanistan.
The Clerk read as follows:
H. Res. 412
Whereas since the terrorist attacks on the United States on
September 11, 2001, the Government and people of Canada have
offered their steadfast support to the United States in the
international war against terrorism;
Whereas this support is in defense of the values that
define and unite the United States and Canada;
Whereas the Government of Canada has also provided
significant military support to the international war against
terrorism, first deploying troops to Afghanistan in October
2001;
Whereas on January 7, 2002, the Government of Canada
announced it would be sending an additional 750 troops to
Afghanistan from the 3rd Battalion of the Princess Patricia's
Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group to support the coalition
against terrorism;
Whereas on April 17, 2002, 4 Canadian soldiers from that
battalion were killed and 8 others were wounded in a
friendly-fire incident in southern Afghanistan;
Whereas the Canadian soldiers who lost their lives were
Sergeant Marc D. Leger of Lancaster, Ontario, Corporal
Ainsworth Dyer of Montreal, Quebec, Private Richard A. Green
of Edmonton, Alberta, and Private Nathan Smith of
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia;
Whereas the people of the United States value the
friendship and goodwill of the people of Canada; and
Whereas President Bush has offered his sorrow and sympathy
to the Government and people of Canada for this tragedy: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) praises the performance and heroism of Canadian
soldiers;
(2) extends its regret and sympathy to the families of the
4 Canadian soldiers who lost their lives and others who
suffered injury on April 17, 2002, in a friendly-fire
incident in southern Afghanistan, and to the Government and
people of Canada for their loss; and
(3) reaffirms the Nation's appreciation for Canada's strong
support and commitment to the war against terrorism.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
York (Mr. Houghton) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton).
General Leave
Mr. HOUGHTON. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
on House Resolution 412.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New York?
There was no objection.
Mr. HOUGHTON. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
I would like to talk a little bit informally, Madam Speaker, about
the situation which has affected us all, and I know that the gentleman
from California (Mr. Lantos) will be doing the same thing, and I am
delighted to be associated with my friend, the gentleman from
California (Mr. Lantos).
As we all know, on April 17, four Canadian soldiers were killed and
eight Canadian soldiers were wounded by an American bomb that was
mistakenly dropped on a Canadian training exercise near Kandahar in
Afghanistan. I would like to read the names of the Canadian soldiers
who are from the Third Battalion, the Princess Pat's Canadian Light
Infantry Battle Group.
Before I read those names, I would like to just say that I grew up on
stories of the Princess Pat's Regiment. It was a famous regiment. A
great older friend of mine was in it in World War I and described some
of the great battles that went on. So it is a very, very distinguished
group.
The names of the soldiers are Sergeant Marc D. Leger of Lancaster
Ontario; Corporal Ainsworth Dyer of Montreal, Quebec; Private Richard
A. Green of Edmonton, Alberta; and Private Nathan Smith of
Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia.
Now, as many of us know, these soldiers had been in Afghanistan since
[[Page H2128]]
late January as part of Operation Apollo, which was Canada's military
complement to the campaign against terrorism. The casualties were
especially difficult for the Canadian people as well as ourselves not
only because of the circumstances surrounding the incident but because
these are the first Canadian soldiers killed since the Korean War.
President Bush expressed his deepest sorrow and sympathy to the
families and to the people of Canada both in a letter to Prime Minister
Chretien and several times in public, and the Senate has also passed a
similar resolution.
There is an investigation underway to determine the exact
circumstances of the incident in Afghanistan. This, sadly, will not
bring the soldiers back, but it is something we want to know. And we
are doing this really to let Canada understand that we are deeply sorry
for their loss and we do not want anything to get in the way of our
historical friendship and alliance.
It is awfully difficult, because many times in pursuing a war or
pursuing some sort of activity for the national good, you hurt your
friends, you hurt yourself. And how do you say you are sorry? This is
one of the ways of trying to express our sorrow and our association
with people.
Canada has always been there for us in times of trouble. For example,
after September 11, I remember going down to New York City when Senator
Jerry Grafstein organized 25,000 Canadians in New York to express their
solidarity with the United States. It was a wonderful, moving time. The
fire department and the police department of New York and Toronto,
Mayor Guiliani, Prime Minister Chretien were there, and it was the type
of thing that you would like to see of a friend. So this incident with
the four Canadian soldiers makes it even more difficult for us.
I always remember during those difficult days with the Iran hostages,
the Canadians were always there with us; made heroic feats in trying to
save some of the American citizens.
In a week, some of us are going to go to Rhode Island and meet with
the Canadians on our usual American-Canadian session where we exchange
ideas and issues and problems and opportunities, and we will have a
chance personally to be able to express, as some of us have already
done on the phone, to our Canadian friends. But it just seemed to some
of us that it was important that here in the well of the House,
officially, to tell our Canadian friends how terribly, terribly sorry
we are.
What are we all striving for? What are we doing? What is our search
for fairness and for decency and for peace? We are all trying to make a
difference. Those people who died made the supreme difference, and we
are just honored to know that they are citizens and their families are
citizens of this great North American Continent, and we would like to
express our condolences and our feelings to those families.
Madam Speaker, I would now like to add my voice to the many others
who have also expressed their sentiments.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume,
and I rise in strong support of H. Res. 412.
Madam Speaker, I would like to commend first the gentleman from
Illinois (Mr. Hyde) for expediting consideration of this important
measure, and I want to applaud the efforts of my dear friend and
colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), who for many
years has worked tirelessly to build and maintain the strong bonds that
unite the United States and Canada.
Madam Speaker, in World War II, Canadian troops fought side by side
with American soldiers to defeat fascism in Nazi Germany. During the
Korean War, Canadian volunteers joined United Nations forces to help
protect South Korea from communism. Last year, Canada once again sent
its finest sons and daughters into harm's way, this time to combat
international terrorism in Afghanistan.
Since the beginning of the year, approximately 800 Canadian troops
have helped secure Kandahar and protected relief operations in that
entire area. Unfortunately, as we all know, a terrible accident
occurred recently. In the early morning of April 17, an American F-16
pilot accidentally dropped a laser-guided bomb on Canadian troops who
were conducting combat exercises in a designated training area near
their base south of Kandahar.
Sergeant Marc Legere, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private Richard Green
and Private Nathan Smith perished in that accident. Eight other brave
Canadian soldiers were wounded in the explosion.
Madam Speaker, on behalf of all of us on this side, I wish to extend
our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of these
wonderful Canadian soldiers. We also want to express our deepest
sympathies to a grieving nation.
Although we will have to await the findings of the ongoing
investigations to learn how this terrible tragedy occurred and what can
be done to prevent its recurrence, several points are already clear.
The United States and Canada and our respective peoples continue to
enjoy what is one of the most powerful, unwavering friendships that
spans generations and can withstand even the most challenging
tribulations.
As a result, our two great nations stand together in their eternal
commitment to defend freedom, democracy, the right of civilized
societies to live in peace and security; a right that in the 21st
century is being threatened by global terrorism. In the fight against
global terrorism, Canada, as always, is shouldering a heavy burden and
making major sacrifices. We all appreciate this enormous contribution
and we will never forget it.
Madam Speaker, with Canada's continued help, and the assistance of
our other friends and allies, I am fully confident that we will
vanquish the scourge of terrorism forever. I invite all of my
colleagues to join me in a salute to the 12 heroes of Canada by voting
in favor of this resolution.
Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce), my good friend,
the ranking Democratic member on the Committee on Financial Services.
(Mr. LaFALCE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his
remarks.)
Mr. LaFALCE. Madam Speaker, I have the great honor of representing
Niagara Falls, New York, and about 60 seconds across the Rainbow
Bridge, the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge and the Whirlpool Bridge stands
Niagara Falls, Ontario and Queenston, Ontario. I have the great honor
of representing the City of Buffalo, and across the Peace Bridge stands
Fort Erie, Ontario.
Between the Americans that abut the Canadian border and the Canadians
that abut the American border, there is a common and virtually
universal feeling of brotherhood and sisterhood.
{time} 1545
We feel as if the Canadians are our brothers and sisters, and I think
most Canadians feel as if we are their brothers and sisters. This has
been shown countless ways and countless times throughout our history;
but I do not think that it was ever shown more than on September 11,
because when we wept in Buffalo and Niagra Falls, they wept just as
much in Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, Canada, because when we were
attacked, they felt they were attacked. When our brothers and sisters
were killed, they believed that their brothers and sisters were killed.
Madam Speaker, they acted as brothers and sisters did. They took our
planes and took our people, and they enlisted in the fight and combat
against terrorism wherever and whenever they could, in greater
percentage numbers than we have participated, in all candor, including
in the fields of Afghanistan.
I guess the only thing that is worse than seeing a brother or sister
killed is when we, by inadvertence, are responsible for it. No words
could express our sorrow, but we must make that effort. On behalf of
all of the people of my district, and through this resolution on behalf
of every single American, we say to every single Canadian, we are so,
so sorry.
Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my humblest
condolences to our Canadian neighbors on the deaths of four Canadian
soldiers who died on April 17, 2002.
The people of Canada and their Government have offered their stalwart
support to our country in the international war against terrorism. We
are indebted to the Canadian people and wish to express our deepest
gratitude for their efforts.
[[Page H2129]]
On April 17, four Canadian soldiers from the 3rd Battalion of the
Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Group were killed
and eight others were wounded in a ``friendly-fire'' incident in
southern Afghanistan when they were mistakenly fired upon by American
troops. These Canadian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in defense
of liberty and democracy.
Americans are deeply grateful for Canada's staunch support and firm
commitment to the war against terrorism. The friendship of the Canadian
people has helped America through her own dark hours. I hope that our
friendship and support will help the people of Canada through this
dreadful event.
We should do all we can to improve the safety of coalition troops in
Afghanistan. I strongly favor the conduct of a thorough and timely
investigation to determine how this terrible accident occurred in
Afghanistan. Casualties due to friendly fire have been called the
``unfortunate part of war.'' We should do whatever it takes to prevent
these tragedies and to eliminate this most unfortunate part of war.
Even though war is always unpredictable, Canadians and Americans want
to know what the exact circumstances were that led to the deaths of
these capable and brave soldiers, so other incidents like this one can
be averted in the future.
I extend my condolences to the victims' families in Canada, and I
express my support to Canadians in this difficult time. I offer my
sorrow and sympathy to the Government and people of Canada for this
shocking tragedy and truly regret the events that led to the deaths of
these fine men.
Mr. BEREUTER. Madam Speaker, this Member rises to express his support
for H. Res. 412, a bill expressing the House's regret and sympathy to
the families of the four Canadian soldiers who lost their lives and the
eight Canadian soldiers who were wounded on April 17, 2002, in a
``friendly-fire'' mistake in southern Afghanistan. Additionally, this
Member would like to express his appreciation for the efforts of the
very distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton) in drafting
this legislation.
Madam Speaker, Canada is a steadfast ally and true friend of the
United States. In October 2001, less than one month after the horrific
and unspeakable terrorist attacks of September 11th, Ottawa, Canada,
served as the host city for the fall meetings of the North Atlantic
Treaty Organization Parliamentary Assembly (NATO PA). As leader of the
House Delegation to the NATO PA, this Member was very grateful for the
unwavering support offered by the Canadian parliamentarians to the U.S.
for the war on terrorism. Despite their recognition of the dangers
involved in sending their armed forces to assist with the war, the
Canadians were the strongest supporters of the assembly's endorsement
of the use of force against the terrorists and were willing to
contribute troops for missions in Afghanistan.
Indeed, the loss of four Canadian soldiers who were killed by a bomb
from an American F-16 aircraft in a friendly-fire mistake is a tragic
loss which the U.S. and Canada, as steadfast neighbors and true allies,
mourn together. Last week, this Member and many of his colleagues were
able to express their personal condolences to the Honorable Peter
Milliken, the Speaker of the House of Commons of Canada. It is fitting
that this body, through this resolution, expresses its condolences to
the families of the Canadian families who lost their loved ones in the
tragic incident.
Madam Speaker, this Member encourages his colleagues to vote for H.
Res. 412.
Mr. HYDE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 412 of
offer my deepest condolences to all Canadians, especially the families
and friends of Sergeant Marc D. Leger, Corporal Ainsworth Dyer, Private
Richard A. Green, and Private Nathan Smith, who gave their lives in the
service of defending freedom and security in Operation Enduring Freedom
on April 17, 2002, in Afghanistan.
Eight other servicemen were also wounded in this incident. This
tragic accident reminds us that our coalition partners remain willing
to send their men and women in uniform in harm's way so that our
freedoms may prevail. These Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice
on behalf of all peace-loving people, and my prayers are with their
families and loved ones during this difficult time.
After America was so brutally attacked, I addressed the House of
Representatives during consideration of H.J. Res. 61, which expressed
the sense of the House of Representatives and Senate regarding the
assault. I quoted Winston Churchill, whose words are just as salient
today as they were then. He wrote, ``Civilization will not last,
freedom will not survive, peace will not be kept, unless a very large
majority of mankind unite together to defend them.''
Canada has always been our country's closest ally and friend. Since
the terrorist attacks on September 11th, she has offered her steadfast
loyalty and support in defense of the values that define and unite us.
Canada's leadership during this trying time is invaluable to the
American people. We will continue our common defense in unity to defeat
the enemy who wishes to destroy freedom.
May God bless Canada and her fallen soldiers who served her with such
courage and dignity. We indeed are a safer Nation because of these
soldiers and those who continue to serve in our Nations' Armed Forces.
I want to commend my colleague from New York, Mr. Houghton, for this
important expression of sympathy. I urge my colleagues to support this
passage. Canada shall remain our closest ally and friend.
Mr. LANTOS. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. HOUGHTON. Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and
I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Emerson). The question is on the motion
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton) that the House
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 412.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor
thereof) the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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