[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 25, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S5917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           MEMORIAL DAY 2005

  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to those men 
and women of the U.S. armed services, who have given their lives to 
defend our Nation and the ideals it represents.
  Since the birth of our Nation 229 years ago, millions of Americans 
have answered the call to serve. They left behind the comfort of home, 
family and friends, to protect the American way of life and insure that 
our country would remain free and a land of opportunity for all. On 
this day I would like to remember those whom did not return.
  On this Memorial Day, I am put in mind of the 200th and 515th Costal 
Artillery units of the New Mexico National Guard, better known as the 
New Mexico Brigade. The New Mexico Brigade played a prominent and 
heroic role in the fierce fighting in the Philippines, during those 
first dark days of the Second World War. For 4 months the men of the 
200th and 515th helped hold off the Japanese only to be defeated by 
disease, starvation and a lack of ammunition.
  Tragically the survivors of the Battle of Bataan from the New Mexico 
Brigade were subjected to the horrors and atrocities of the 65 mile 
``Death March'' and to years of hardship and forced labor in Japanese 
prisoner of war camps. Sadly, of the 1800 men of the New Mexico Brigade 
more than 900 lost their lives in that far off place. This day belongs 
to them and all other Americans such as them.
  I believe it is especially important not to forget; the men and women 
of America's Armed Forces have given their lives not only in defense of 
our Nation, but to preserve the freedom of others around the globe. 
This is almost unquiet in human history, and no praise can be too great 
for those individuals.
  Today I would like to make special mention of those New Mexicans who 
have given their lives in Operation Iraq Freedom and the global war on 
terror. I ask that New Mexicans on Memorial Day think of them and their 
families and give thanks that we are blessed with such heroic men and 
women.
  We must never forget the sacrifices of our solders, sailors, airmen, 
and marines. I encourage New Mexican's and all Americans on Memorial 
Day to take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women whom 
have fallen in our defense. At this moment in America's history, our 
men and women in uniform are again furthering the cause of freedom 
around the world and ensuring the safety of the United States of 
America. They serve with the same courage and commitment shown by 
Americans of generations past and they deserve our thoughts and prayers 
on this Memorial Day as well.

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