[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 162 (Friday, December 16, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S13694-S13695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             IRAQ ELECTION

  Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, yesterday we saw a historic day in Iraq. 
For the third time in less than a year, the people of Iraq did what 
only a couple of years ago would have been a dream: they voted in free 
elections. For those of us who have the appreciation of democracy as a 
result of having lived where that is denied, the ink-stained finger, 
the smiles, the celebratory atmosphere akin to a wedding is something 
to give us all hope.
  Yesterday was a relatively trouble-free day. Seventy percent of 
Iraqis voted. Poll stations were open for an extra hour because of such 
long lines. The turnout was so good that ballot shortages were 
reported. This was clearly a successful day.
  How does a date like this come to be? How do we go from a brutal 
dictatorship that threatens its citizens to a society of free 
elections? The answer is

[[Page S13695]]

that it is about choices. Do people want a way of life built around 
tyranny, oppression, and terrorism, or do they want to embrace 
democracy, freedom, and prosperity? Clearly, the people of Iraq have 
chosen the latter. Yes, they have chosen the more difficult path, but 
the rewards will be enormous.
  I congratulate the people of Iraq for yesterday's historic elections. 
History will judge these elections to be pivotal, vital to building 
democracy, and part and parcel of our efforts in the war on terror.
  As President Bush has highlighted in several recent statements, in an 
unbelievably brief period of time, Iraq has made tremendous gains in 
democracy and freedom. I commend the Iraqi people for these 
unprecedented strides.
  The administration has outlined a clear strategy for going forward: 
three key tracks--political, economic, and security--with realistic 
terms that avoid imposing unrealistic expectations and very dangerous 
time frames.
  I want to mention the story of a constituent of mine, a man who saw 
his son go into the service of his country, who saw his son called to 
war, and then sadly was here in Washington this week to lay that son to 
rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
  Bud Clay of Pensacola shared a letter from his son, SSG Daniel Clay 
of the U.S. Marine Corps. Dan was one of 10 marines killed in Iraq by a 
roadside bomb in Fallujah. Knowing the danger he faced, knowing the 
unpredictability of war, Staff Sergeant Clay wrote a letter to his 
family to be opened only in the event of his death.
  He wrote in part:

       What we have done in Iraq is worth any sacrifice. Why? 
     Because it was our duty. That sounds simple. But all of us 
     have a duty. It has been an honor to protect and serve all of 
     you. I faced death with the secure knowledge that you would 
     not have to.

  Staff Sergeant Clay writes:

       As a marine, this is not the last chapter. I have the 
     privilege of being one who has finished the race. I have been 
     in the company of heroes. I now am counted among them.

  He concludes by saying:

       My race is over, my time in the war zone is over. My trials 
     are done . . . Semper Fidelis.

  SSG Daniel Clay was laid to rest Wednesday at Arlington National 
Cemetery. He is a hero. We honor his sacrifice, just as we honor the 
sacrifice of all those who have given so much in this war.
  I conclude by again offering congratulations to the people of Iraq. 
Congratulations for going to the polls, for taking another significant 
step forward for your own future, and for embracing that glimmer of 
hope that your country can be as free, peaceful, and prosperous as any 
other society that rejects tyranny and entrusts its government to its 
people.
  Soldiers such as Staff Sergeant Clay are sustaining the development 
of Iraqi forces. We owe them our respect, gratitude, and undying honor 
as we demonstrate unwavering determination to complete this mission.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from New Hampshire is recognized 
for 5 minutes.

                          ____________________