[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E980]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

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                               speech of

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, in times of great sorrow and confusion I 
often turn to the Bible for comfort and guidance.
  Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches us, ``For everything there is a season, 
And a time for every matter under heaven . . . A time to be born, and a 
time to die; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time for war, and a 
time for peace.''
  I hope and pray that soon we will see a time for peace around the 
world. Brave men and women answered their country's call for duty and 
paid the ultimate sacrifice. They died as heroes in honorable service 
to our country, and words inadequately convey our sorrow.
  Across Washington State, 13 families grieve over the loss of loved 
ones in Iraq and Afghanistan. On behalf of the nation, the House of 
Representatives paused recently for a moment of silence to recognize 
and honor our fallen heroes.
  We can honor our soldiers by remembering their names and reflecting 
on their contributions to our lives and to our communities. Join me in 
honoring these brave men and women.
  Second Lieutenant Benjamin J. Colgan, 30, from Kent; First Lieutenant 
Michael R. Adams, 24, from Seattle; Staff Sergeant Cody Prosser, 28, 
whose mother lives in Seattle; Specialist Jacob R. Herring, 21, from 
Kirkland; Specialist Jeffrey R. Shaver, 26, from Maple Valley; Lance 
Corporal Cedric E. Burns, 22, from Vancouver; Specialist Justin W. 
Hebert, of Arlington; Private First Class Duane E. Longstreth, 19, of 
Tacoma; Private First Class Kerry D. Scott, 21, of Mount Vernon; 
Specialist Robert T. Benson, 20, of Spokane; Sergeant Jay A. Blessing, 
23, of Tacoma; Sergeant Curt E. Jordan, Jr., of Green Acres; and, Staff 
Sergeant Christopher Bunda, 29.
  America is richer because of their service. America is poorer because 
of their loss.
  The Gospel of John 14:27, offers comfort in the words of Jesus, 
``Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as 
the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be 
afraid.''

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