[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 31, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E31]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  HONORING THE LIFE AND SACRIFICE OF ARMY SGT. DENNIS J. FLANAGAN OF 
                             INVERNESS, FL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 31, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
commemorate the life and sacrifice of Army SGT Dennis J. Flanagan of 
Inverness, Florida. Sergeant Flanagan was killed by terrorist 
insurgents while on patrol in Hawijah, Iraq. In times when children and 
families need role models to look up to and emulate, Sergeant Flanagan 
was a true American hero.
  A 2001 graduate of Lecanto High School, Sergeant Flanagan was an 
active member of the Junior ROTC, achieving the rank of First 
Lieutenant his junior year. Within a week following the terrorist 
attacks of September 11, 2001, Sergeant Flanagan enlisted in the U.S. 
Army. Serving with the 101st Airborne Division, 327th Infantry 
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, Sergeant Flanagan was part of the 
air assault infantry that invaded Iraq in 2003.
  Following his first tour of duty, Sergeant Flanagan re-enlisted this 
past September for a second tour in Iraq. He was killed January 20th, 
along with three other U.S. soldiers when an improvised explosive 
device blew up his Humvee. Only the driver of the Humvee survived the 
blast.
  Sergeant Flanagan was a soldier who firmly believed in the mission in 
Iraq and in advancing the cause of freedom. As a young boy, Sergeant 
Flanagan knew that he wanted to be a soldier in the U.S. Armed Forces. 
A soldier who felt we must defend America and fight for freedom, 
Sergeant Flanagan received glowing recommendations from his superior 
officers and fellow soldiers. One of the principle reasons that he re-
enlisted was to act as a mentor to the newly enlisted soldiers and to 
help train the Iraqi army recruits.
  Speaking of his future as a soldier and a patriot, Sergeant Flanagan 
once wrote a poem that included the words, ``And now, my son, I pray to 
thee. Never ever forget me; that I died a soldier's death, to keep you 
free with my last breath.'' The speaker then passes a torch and says, 
``Keep it high for liberty.'' These prophetic words show that Sergeant 
Flanagan knew the risks associated with serving as a soldier and that 
he was willing to accept that risk fighting for America and for liberty 
and freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a grandmother, I know the pain that 
comes when a child leaves home for the first time. What Sergeant 
Flanagan's family must cope with today, however, is the knowledge that 
their child will not return home. I can offer this pledge, however; 
that this Congress will never forget the sacrifice Sergeant Flanagan 
made serving his country.

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