[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 35 (Thursday, March 18, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H1232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                  IRAQ

  (Mr. MURPHY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago the Iraqi people lived under the 
rule of a man who massacred and tortured his own people by the hundreds 
of thousands, who supported terrorists groups, and who was a human 
weapon of mass destruction.
  Today 25 million Iraqis have been liberated and an example has been 
made of Saddam Hussein. Today America is a safer place. Today the world 
is a safer place because of the actions of our military.
  Since September 11, thousands of Guard and reservists have been 
activated to fight the war on terror and 40 percent of the current 
force in Iraq is composed of these soldiers. And despite what some 
critics continue to say, Guard and Reserve service is just as honorable 
as regular military service. They have left their families and their 
jobs to serve their Nation. They too have seen the horrors of Saddam 
Hussein's regime and the gratitude of the Iraqi people as they work 
hand in hand to rebuild their country.
  Today I thank all who serve. I give a special nod to our guardsmen, 
for when I see them, I do not see half a soldier, but I see twice a 
patriot.

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