[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. PAUL RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, this Memorial Day we honored the 
sacrifices that every generation of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and 
Marines has made to protect our country and ensure that the hope and 
light of liberty never dies. This includes the current generation of 
America's military men and women who are defending us right now, as we 
gather in peace and freedom.
  Our troops today are following in the proud tradition of those who 
have gone before them to defeat tyrants and oppressors and keep America 
secure and free. In doing so, they have taken on great risk, putting 
their lives on the line to accomplish their mission. In Wisconsin and 
throughout our nation we have lost some of our bravest young men and 
women in the ongoing operations to combat terrorism and help freedom 
take root in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Among them, a soldier from the district I represent, Private First 
Class Sean Schneider, was killed in Iraq in March when a bomb hit his 
convoy.
  Sean grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin, and graduated from Craig High 
School--the same school I graduated from. Sean liked to hunt, canoe, 
and tinker with cars and motorcycles. His high school teachers talk 
about what a caring individual he was and how he was the kind of 
student you respected. At the same time, he was an independent young 
man who knew what he wanted to do with his life.
  Sean joined the Army in 2002 with a strong desire to serve and 
protect his country. In doing so, he made that incredible commitment 
that our military men and women and our veterans throughout history 
have made: he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and put his 
life in danger to preserve our rights and freedoms.
  It is because of Sean and people like him that our country remains 
free today. America owes Sean and all who have given their lives 
serving in our Armed Forces a tremendous debt that can never be repaid. 
We must commit to remembering forever their lives and valiant 
sacrifices. And we must be grateful for our veterans who have stood up, 
like Sean did, for our country and the cause of freedom.
  Our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen servicemen and women and 
their families. May God bless them and all Americans serving with honor 
today.

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