[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 17 (Wednesday, February 16, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO OUR TROOPS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Bean) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Ms. BEAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to our brave men 
and women in uniform serving around the world and here at home. Our 
Active-Duty personnel, Guard members and reservists constitute the 
best-trained and most dedicated fighting force the world has ever 
known.
  They are our family members, our close friends and our neighbors, our 
teachers, physicians and small business owners. They have pledged to us 
their valued time, their honor, and their lives. Let us now take a 
moment to recognize them and remember their loss.
  Mr. Speaker, since 2001, more than 36,000 of my fellow Illinoisans 
have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Here in Washington, it is our job 
to make sure that they have not only the necessary training and 
equipment to complete their mission, but also fair pay, comprehensive 
benefits, and the best medical care available.
  As we in Congress work to ensure that the men and women of our Armed 
Forces are properly equipped and trained, we must never forget the 
costly commitments made by so many of them to protect and defend the 
United States and our most valued ideals.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to two service members 
from my district who have paid the ultimate price in service to their 
country. Marine Lance Corporal Sean Maher and Army Staff Sergeant 
Donald Bernard Farmer were both recently killed in action in the Iraq 
theatre.
  I ask my colleagues to join with me today in remembering Lance 
Corporal Maher and Staff Sergeant Farmer and all Americans who have 
stood and have fallen for our great Nation.
  While the loss to their families is immeasurable, I can only hope 
that they take some comfort in knowing the thoughts and prayers of a 
grateful Nation are with them.
  Today I can ask my colleagues to never forget the commitments we have 
asked of our service members and their unwavering dedication to 
America. Through the actions of this body, let us always strive to 
honor those who serve and sacrifice in the name of this great Nation.

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