[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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. RANDY NEUGEBAUER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. NEUGEBAUER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to dedicated 
soldiers, marines and citizens from my district that paid the ultimate 
price while serving our country.
  Next weekend, our Nation will commemorate Memorial Day. All too often 
we forget the purposes of our special days we set aside to celebrate. 
Memorial Day is much more than a three-day weekend that marks the 
beginning of summer. This day, originally known as Decoration Day, has 
a long history dating back to the Civil War, commemorating the 
sacrifices of our armed forces. During this Memorial Day it is fitting 
that we make a special effort to honor and acknowledge those who have 
made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our freedom and the freedom of 
others in Afghanistan and Iraq.
  I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends 
who are mourning the loss of Private First Class Chad Bales, Private 
First Class Ricky Morris, Specialist Robert Arsiaga, Specialist Israel 
Garza, Corporal Daniel Amaya, and Private First Class Clayton Henson. 
These gentlemen served our country with courage and dignity. There is 
no greater valor than sacrifice in the name of freedom.
  I pray for the safe return of all of our servicemen and women and 
thank them for the sacrifice they make every day defending our country.




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