[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE 3RD U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, ``THE OLD GUARD''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM NUSSLE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 22, 2002

  Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the perseverance, 
dedication, and hard work of the members of America's oldest and one of 
the most prestigious units of our Armed Services, the 3rd U.S. Infantry 
Regiment, ``The Old Guard.''
  As a nation, we have held many ceremonies honoring those individuals 
and groups who responded to the tragic events of September 11, 2001, 
and, without regard for their personal safety or emotional well-being, 
went about the sometimes gruesome task of looking for survivors in an 
area so devastated, few of us can even imagine the horror faced on that 
day. Men and women who eventually were searching for something, 
anything, that could help identify a victim and bring some measure of 
peace to anxious family members and friends. Unfortunately, as with any 
disaster of this magnitude, some people who assisted in the search for 
survivors and helped in the recovery efforts have not been identified 
and therefore have not been recognized for their invaluable service 
during the days, weeks, and months following the attacks.
  Traditionally, The Old Guard has served to conduct ceremonies, 
memorial affairs, and special events to demonstrate the excellence of 
the United States Army to the world. Their missions normally include 
conducting military ceremonies at the White House, Pentagon, and other 
national memorials as well as to provide funeral escorts at Arlington 
National Cemetery and maintain the 24-hour vigil at the Tomb of the 
Unknown Soldier. However, their normal mission changed on September 11, 
2001.
  The Old Guard was immediately pressed into service for rescue and 
recovery for the disaster site at the Pentagon. Like all branches and 
units of our armed services, The Old Guard met the challenge in 
response to the terrorist attack. And like our nation, the resolve of 
The Old Guard was not shaken, no matter the mission.
  I rise today to honor the sacrifices of all our men and women in 
uniform involved in the war on terrorism, in particular the unique 
services provided by members of The U.S. Infantry's Old Guard at the 
Pentagon. Let us never forget the service that our military has 
provided over the past 225 years and the sacrifices they made to 
protect and preserve our freedom.

                          ____________________