[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 77 (Friday, June 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JAMES T. WALSH

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle to extend praise and remembrance to those who have given 
their lives in the defense of this nation.
  We stand before this House, not in an effort to politicize the 
ultimate sacrifice so many have endured, but rather to express a 
collective gratitude for these brave soldier's willingness to embrace 
the virtues of America and band together under this nation's flag.
  For as long as this nation has known war, we have embraced the heroes 
it has produced. Americans have rightfully noted the honor and nobility 
of courage under hostile fire and thanked those who perished in their 
defense. I believe Congress has a duty to do so as well; not simply as 
a body of legislators, but more importantly as a community of friends, 
neighbors, parents and Americans.
  Since the United States was attacked on September 11, 2001, our 
nation and the world have changed a great deal. The way many Americans 
view the global climate are rooted, for many, in the context of our 
nation's defense against those who wish us ill. Never, since the fall 
of communism, has it been so abundantly clear that an ethos exists, 
which is loath to accept the freedoms and prosperity we hold sacred in 
this nation.
  With this realization, came a growing need for men and women willing 
to take up arms in an effort to protect our American way of life and 
the freedoms so many of our ancestors died to entrench. Many have 
embraced this call as members of our active duty armed forces and the 
Reserve/National Guard. For that, this nation is grateful. The selfless 
actions of these heroes have removed them from their families, 
businesses and homeland to fight, so that others may experience the 
liberty awaiting our troops upon safe return to America.
  For some, however, there will be no return. This inevitability of 
conflict motivates us today and echoes the reminder that freedom is not 
given away and our national security is not achieved without sacrifice. 
We cannot forget this, nor can we assert that honoring those who have 
fallen is political posturing. It is an obligation for members of this 
body to show Americans we have not ignored their sacrifices.
  I consider it a privilege to join my colleagues in offering this 
contrite praise and remembrance as Memorial Day approaches. We must 
never forget or diminish the sacrifices of those who gave everything 
for this nation.
  I urge my friends in this House to join in thanking those fallen 
heroes including, from the State of New York: Pfc. Tamario Burkett 
(USMC), Pvt. David Evans (USA), Cpl. Bernard Gooden (USMC), Pfc. 
Gregory Huxley (USA), Lance Cpl. Eric Orlowski (USMC), Cpl. Robert 
Rodriguez (USMC), Spc. Rasheed Sahib (USA), SSgt. Riayan Tejeda (USMC), 
Lance Cpl. William White (USMC) and Sgt. Eugene Williams (USA). Their 
courage over the past two years and throughout the centuries has 
enabled this republic to endure tragedy and face the future with 
optimism.