[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S10153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  Private First Class Anthony P. Seig

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep 
sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Sunman. 
Anthony P. Seig, 19 years old, died on September 9 in Baghdad after 
being gravely injured when a rocket struck the roof of his barracks the 
day before. Tony risked everything to fight for the values Americans 
hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world.
  Tony enlisted in the Army shortly after graduating East Central High 
School in St. Leon last year. He had been in Iraq for 2 months when he 
was killed and would have celebrated his 20th birthday in a few weeks. 
Tony was remembered by his aunt, Vicki Jenkins, who told a local news 
outlet, ``He's certainly our hero. He was very proud to serve his 
country. He felt very strongly about serving his country.''
  Tony was killed while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
He was assigned to the 118th Military Police Company, Fort Bragg, NC. 
This brave soldier leaves behind his mother, Linda Seig, and two 
sisters.
  Today, I join Tony's family and friends in mourning his death. While 
we struggle to bear our sorrow over this loss, we can also take pride 
in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer 
place. It is his courage and strength of character that people will 
remember when they think of Tony, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Tony was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Tony will be remembered by family members, 
friends and fellow Hoosiers as a true American hero, and we honor the 
sacrifice he made while dutifully serving his country.
  As I search for words to do justice in honoring Tony's sacrifice, I 
am reminded of President Lincoln's remarks as he addressed the families 
of the fallen soldiers in Gettysburg:

       We cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow 
     this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled 
     here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or 
     detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we 
     say here, but it can never forget what they did here.

  This statement is just as true today as it was nearly 150 years ago, 
as I am certain that the impact of Tony's actions will live on far 
longer that any record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Anthony P. Seig in the Record 
of the U.S. Senate for his service to this country and for his profound 
commitment to freedom, democracy and peace. When I think about this 
just cause in which we are engaged, and the unfortunate pain that comes 
with the loss of our heroes, I hope that families like Tony's can find 
comfort in the words of the prophet Isaiah who said, ``He will swallow 
up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all 
faces.''
  May God grant strength and peace to those who mourn, and may God be 
with all of you, as I know He is with Tony.

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