[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E484]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNITION OF THE BALTIC MEMBERS OF THE COALITION OF THE WILLING

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                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 30, 2004

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give recognition to three 
members of the ``Coalition of the Willing''--Latvia, Estonia, and 
Lithuania.
  These Baltic nations have answered the call to freedom. The people of 
Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania should feel very proud of the effort 
their governments have given to the rebuilding of Iraq and during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. They have troops deployed in Iraq and these 
men and women are putting their lives on the line in the fight for 
freedom and democracy. In fact Latvia has deployed 150 soldiers, 
Estonia 55, and Lithuania 85. The sacrifice they are making should not 
be taken lightly.
  These countries understand what freedom is, and what it takes to 
ensure it. I wish more countries had the same sense of duty and 
responsibility as these three nations. When the future is written, what 
they have done and sacrificed will not be forgotten. I applaud all of 
their efforts and I am very proud of what they have accomplished. The 
Coalition of the Willing has been criticized as being ``token allies'' 
and claims of ulterior motives have been made. I for one don't believe 
any of this and I am glad these countries have joined our efforts. This 
is a fight worth fighting, and I salute our friends from Latvia, 
Lithuania, and Estonia.

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