[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 103 (Monday, June 25, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S8354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                  Staff Sergeant Roy P. Lewsader, Jr.

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, with a heavy heart and deep sense of 
gratitude, I honor the life of a brave soldier from Clinton. Roy P. 
Lewsader, Jr., 36 years old, was killed on June 16 while deployed in 
Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, when a rocket-propelled grenade detonated near 
his vehicle. With a promising future ahead of him, Roy risked 
everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, 
in a land halfway around the world.
  Roy was killed while serving his country in Operation Enduring 
Freedom, his second tour of duty in the ongoing war against terrorism. 
He was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, stationed in 
Fort Riley, KS.
  Today, I join Roy'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 Roy, a memory that will burn brightly 
during these continuing days of conflict and grief.
  Roy was known for his dedication to his family and his love of 
country. Today and always, Roy 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 Roy'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 Roy's actions will live on far longer that any 
record of these words.
  It is my sad duty to enter the name of Roy P. Lewsader, Jr. in the 
official record of the United States 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 Roy'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 Roy.

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