[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 66 (Tuesday, May 21, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        FOREIGN AFFAIRS DAY 2002

  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, on May 10, 2002, our Nation celebrated 
Foreign Affairs Day, which honors the dedication and accomplishments of 
the men and women in the Foreign Service, the Civil Service, and as 
Foreign Service Nationals. It is also a day to remember those who have 
died in the line of duty.
  We know that international problems can quickly become problems at 
home. American diplomats and their staff are on the front lines 
addressing these problems before they reach our shores, and these 
Federal employees are just as critical to our national security as 
modern weaponry and soldiers. Just as members of our armed services 
risk their lives everyday in defense of freedom, civilians in the 
Federal foreign affairs workforce stand with the military on the front 
lines of the war on terrorism.
  Those in the Civil Service and Foreign Service have protected 
America's interests overseas and the freedoms we enjoy at home since 
the earliest years of our Republic. Many have worked in perilous 
environments. The first to die was a diplomat in 1780, traveling to his 
duty post.
  The attacks on Civil Service and Foreign Service personnel have risen 
in recent years. This month, 13 new names were added to the American 
Foreign Service Association Memorial honoring Foreign Service, Civil 
Service, and Foreign Service National employees who lost their lives in 
the line of duty or under heroic or inspirational circumstances. Among 
those heroes is a U.S. embassy employee who was killed with her 
daughter this year in a terrorist bombing during church services in 
Pakistan. As of today, a total of 209 men and women have lost their 
lives serving the United States as employees of the Civil Service and 
the Foreign Service.
  Although not a member of the Foreign Service, a civilian Central 
Intelligence Agency case officer was among the first Americans to lose 
his life in Afghanistan in our Nation's fight against terrorism since 
September 11th.
  Foreign Affairs Day reminds us all of the heroic dedication and 
sacrifices from people in the Foreign Service and Civil Service. They 
serve their country abroad using their talent and skills to defend 
freedom at home. Their service contributes enormously to our national 
security. As their personal safety is sacrificed for our freedom, we 
should always remember that they are the first line of defense in 
protecting the light of freedom which shines from America.

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