[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1103-E1104]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              MEMORIAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 26, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, soon we will all return to our 
Congressional districts for the Memorial Day weekend. So I'd like to 
take a moment today to recognize the heroes of wars past and the heroes 
of our current military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  Just two days ago, Fort Carson's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment honored 
four more of its dead--Sgt. Stephen Saxton, Spec. Ricky Rockholt, Pfc. 
Joseph Knott, and Pfc. Robert Murray, Jr. Fort Carson has lost 120 
soldiers since the war began.
  And Colorado lost another son in Baghdad earlier this month. Former 
Marine and Louisville firefighter Todd James Venette was remembered at 
a memorial service last weekend. He died after his security company 
convoy was hit by two cars carrying explosives.
  The loved ones of these brave soldiers and others who have died 
serving in Iraq and Afghanistan must live with their losses every 
minute of every day. We share their grief and remember this Memorial 
Day and every day the sacrifices of these young soldiers who have 
volunteered in service to their country.
  These points were well made in today's editorial in the Denver Post, 
which I am attaching for the benefit of my colleagues.

                  [From the Denver Post, May 26, 2005]

                       Respect for Heroes in Iraq

       In recent months, much attention has been drawn to 
     accusations of misconduct in Iraq, and Fort Carson has seen 
     its share of legal proceedings.
       But on Tuesday a tearful ceremony reminded us of the 
     sacrifices of so many soldiers who were doing things right.
       More than 700 mourners attended a memorial service for four 
     ``brave rifles'' killed in Iraq, while others stood outside 
     in a thunderstorm to pay their respects. Sgt. Stephen Saxton, 
     24; Spec. Ricky Rockholt, 29; Pfc. Joseph Knott, 21; and Pfc. 
     Robert Murray Jr., 21. All were members of Fort Carson's 3rd 
     Armored Cavalry Regiment.
       Comrades and loved ones shared thoughts about the young 
     soldiers. ``I thought it was very fitting that it was raining 
     during the service,'' said Pamela Knott of Yuma, Ariz., whose 
     son was killed in April. ``It sounds silly, but at times you 
     think, `Oh, those are the angels crying, not just for Joseph 
     but for all the lost soldiers.' ''
       In all, 120 soldiers from Fort Carson units have died since 
     the war began. Since troops returned to Iraq in the winter 
     and spring, eight soldiers have been lost to the 3rd ACR and 
     two from the 43rd Area Support Group.
       All told, about a dozen current or former Fort Carson 
     soldiers have been accused of wrongdoing in Iraq. One court-
     martial has been held, with a conviction for assault against 
     three Iraqi detainees, and others may be coming up.
       For now, as Memorial Day approaches, upcoming proceedings 
     are being drowned out by solemn rifle volleys for those who 
     died too young, doing their duty.

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