[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S4398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS

  Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I thank the majority and minority 
leaders for setting aside this time for Senators to talk about events 
in the battlefield. While our troops are in the field in the Iraqi 
conflict, I certainly hope we will set aside an hour every morning for 
Senators to talk about happenings in the field, tributes to the troops, 
and other related incidents. I can think of no better way to start the 
Senate every morning than to pay tribute to those who are in the field 
as we speak.
  All of us have seen the graphic pictures on television of the 
sandstorm and our troops continuing to make their way forward toward 
Baghdad, even though the pictures show that it is so dark that even in 
the daytime they have been hampered by these horrendous sandstorms.
  I am particularly moved by the prisoners of war and the missing in 
action. All of us were riveted this weekend to the television that 
showed our first prisoners taken. There have been quite graphic 
pictures of these prisoners taken by the Iraqis and published on 
television stations overseas. They have not, mostly, been published 
over here. Certain parts have not been published at all.
  I say, first, that every single one of the missing or prisoners are 
from Texas bases, they are from Fort Bliss or Fort Hood--every single 
one of them.
  I have talked to some of the families. I have tried to reach some but 
I have not been able to. But it really brings it home when you hear 
that this has happened and you feel as if you know these people because 
they are so close to home.
  I want to reiterate what the President of the United States has 
said--all of our leaders. We hope the Iraqis will treat the prisoners 
of war as Americans are treating the Iraqi prisoners of war. Americans 
are giving the Iraqis medical treatment. They are giving them food and 
water. I think one of the most poignant early pictures from the field 
was a marine giving water from his canteen to an Iraqi soldier who had 
surrendered.
  It is my fervent hope that the Iraqis will show a good side in 
complying with the Geneva Convention so they will not harm these 
prisoners or in any way treat them improperly, certainly not humiliate 
them in any way.
  There will be more stories of heroism as we go through the coming 
days and weeks. Today I wish to share some remarks from British Army 
LTC Tim Collins, who spoke to his troops just before they moved into 
their first battle against Saddam's forces. These words are stirring 
and they give us a glimpse into the hearts of those who are carrying 
out the job in Iraq, who are doing the job so well, part of a coalition 
of freedom-loving people.
  I don't think anyone in America will ever forget the incredible 
support of the British Government and the British Army. There are many 
other governments and armies that have come forward. We are up to 45 
countries in support of this action, the last I heard. But I 
particularly was touched by Lieutenant Colonel Collins's speech to his 
men. He said:

       There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be 
     alive shortly. It is my foremost intention to bring every 
     single one of you out alive, but there may be some among us 
     who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them 
     in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be no 
     time for sorrow. . . .
       Those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not 
     send. As for the others, I expect you to rock their world. 
     Wipe them out if that is what they choose. But if you are 
     ferocious in battle, remember to be magnanimous in victory. 
     It is a big step to take another human life. It is not to be 
     done lightly. . . .
       I know of men who have taken life needlessly in other 
     conflicts. I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain 
     upon them. If someone surrenders to you, then remember they 
     have that right in international law and ensure that one day 
     they can go home to their family. The ones who wish to fight, 
     well, we aim to please. . . .
       We go to liberate, not to conquer. We will not fly our 
     flags in their country. Iraq is steeped in history. It is the 
     site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the 
     birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there. . . .
       You will see things that no man could pay to see and you 
     will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous 
     and upright people than the Iraqis. You will be embarrassed 
     by their hospitality even though they have nothing. . . .

  Colonel Collins and his men formed the first battalion of the Royal 
Irish Regiment. Colonel Collins is from Belfast and most of his men are 
from Northern Ireland. We are very proud to have them among our 
coalition.
  I think I speak for every American in saying we support our troops, 
we support our allies, and we support everything they are doing in the 
field as we are here, enjoying the freedom they are fighting to keep 
for us, for our children and our grandchildren.
  We will never be able to fully repay the debt to those who have lost 
their lives, but we will always remember them. We will respect them. We 
will duly honor them as time goes by, as one of those brave souls in 
the history of our country who have allowed us to keep the freedom that 
is the beacon to the world.
  I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Senator from North Dakota.

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