[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E537]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      DEFENDING AMERICA'S HOMELAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 20, 2003

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in the early hours of 
the morning, our men and women in uniform began a campaign to defend 
America's homeland and liberate a population that has been under the 
brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. While thousands of miles away, 
this nation stands behind these heroes and prays for their safety as 
they risk their lives in order to protect our freedom and security.
  As the great battles of the past have clearly indicated, America's 
armed forces are the world's strongest, most advanced and will always 
succeed. While America may be in the early days of this conflict, it is 
certain that our brave soldiers, sailors and airmen will ultimately 
prevail and decades of oppression will be lifted from the Iraqi people.
  The days ahead represent a struggle to prevent Saddam Hussein's 
terror from reaching our borders in the future. While the work our 
soldiers are doing now is in an arena far away, it is a direct 
accomplishment for the security and safety of America's homeland.
  The young men and women in uniform are nothing short of heroic and 
their country stands proud of the missions they are leading abroad--
both military and humanitarian. I would also like to commend their 
families for the sacrifices they have made for America. These days may 
be difficult, but the results of their work will forever be remembered 
and America will prevail.

                          ____________________