[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[House]
[Page H2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  THANKING OUR ARMED FORCES FOR THEIR COURAGE, DEDICATION, AND BRAVERY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Poe). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen) is recognized 
for 5 minutes.
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the men and 
women of our Armed Forces for the courage and the dedication that they 
have so bravely displayed while liberating and securing Iraq from 
tyranny and terrorism. Through their hard work and dedication, these 
Marines, sailors, airmen, and soldiers have succeeded in defeating 
terrorism and giving birth to a new democracy in the Middle East, one 
that will serve as a model for the entire region.
  Every day, U.S. forces transfer more security responsibilities to 
Iraqis, giving them the tools that they need to secure their nation. 
Today, there are more than 150,000 Iraqi security forces who have been 
trained and equipped by the United States and our coalition forces. 
Iraqis now patrol Baghdad's hotspots, parts of Mosul, Fallujah, and 
Saddam's hometown of Tikrit.
  Every week, between 1,500 and 3,000 new Iraqi security forces enter 
active duty, joining the U.S. and coalition forces in our joint battle 
against terrorism. By liberating Iraq, our fighting men and women 
showed the world that terrorism and tyranny would no longer be 
tolerated.
  After 9/11, President Bush decided to take the fight to the 
terrorists; and, once again, our Armed Forces answered the call to 
service. Ever since, U.S. and coalition forces have spectacularly 
defeated Saddam's tyrannical regime and transformed Iraq for the 
better. Those who were once oppressed now rule Iraq, holding the 
highest offices of a democracy.
  Having accomplished the great task of liberating the Iraqi people 
from the scourge of terrorism, our forces have remained in Iraq to 
assist in rebuilding the country. Our men and women in the military 
have built schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure to improve the 
lives of ordinary Iraqi citizens. They have restored electricity and 
water to the Iraqis who have suffered from three wars in one 
generation. Roads and bridges are being repaired to increase commerce. 
Our soldiers have been able to accomplish this and so much more, even 
though murdering terrorist gangs try at every turn to thwart their 
progress.
  The valor and the courage of our Armed Forces in the face of this 
enemy have been critical to the reconstruction of Iraq. This was 
exemplified by the recent visit of our Deputy Secretary of State to the 
once-terrorist stronghold of Fallujah.
  I am proud that my stepson, Aviator First Lieutenant Douglas 
Lehtinen, is preparing to deploy to Iraq. He will join the thousands of 
U.S. soldiers who are bravely fighting to guarantee that future 
generations of Iraqis will not have to suffer under tyranny.
  Some of these soldiers, such as my husband, retired First Lieutenant 
Dexter Lehtinen, as a platoon leader in Vietnam, have paid dearly for 
the freedom that so many of us take for granted. My husband, Dexter, 
was wounded by a grenade that almost took his life. Instead, today he 
carries the scars of battle to remind us that while freedom may not be 
free, it is always worth fighting for.
  I am proud that my stepson, Dougie, chose to volunteer and to protect 
the country that we all love so much from those who desire to destroy 
it. To all the brave men and women who have, do, and will continue to 
serve our Armed Forces, thank you on behalf of a grateful Nation.

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