[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Senate]
[Page 23127]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             A SALUTE TO THE SAILORS OF THE U.S.S. ``COLE''

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, I am deeply saddened by the loss of the 
brave men and women of the U.S.S. Cole. October 12, 2000 will long be 
remembered as a day of heavy emotions for our armed forces and all 
American people. All of our hearts have been consumed with anger and 
sorrow at the senseless act of terrorism that, on that day, left 
seventeen United States sailors dead, and thirty-nine injured. All 
young, all promising, all dedicated to defending America's values and 
way of life.
  But my heart is also filled with pride in these men and women. Our 
sailors served in the finest traditions of the Navy, selflessly 
dedicating themselves to serving our country with bravery and 
integrity. And I rise today to honor those who gave their lives in the 
line of duty. We will not forget your superb service and ultimate 
sacrifice.
  As I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the Cole 
Sailors, let me also say to the world that the United States will not 
rest until those responsible for this attack are held accountable for 
this atrocious destruction of innocent American life. Let there be no 
mistake. We will use every tool in our arsenal to track down and charge 
our adversaries for this cowardly act.
  The British poet A.E. Housman wrote, ``The troubles of our proud and 
angry dust are from eternity and shall not fail. Bear them we can, and 
if we can, we must.'' Housman's poem speaks to our strong tradition of 
persistence and moral courage to stand up for our values. Let our 
resilience signal to the world that no terrorist attack can encroach 
our resolve. We will not shrink to defeat, but grow stronger in our 
commitment to securing peace and stability throughout this nation's 
areas of interest. Seventeen U.S.S. Cole sailors did not suffer tragic 
deaths in vain. They died protecting freedom, and defending the 
greatest nation on Earth.
  So now, I join my colleagues and the families of the U.S.S. Cole crew 
in solemn prayer for these brave sailors, the protectors of America's 
great democracy. God bless you and God bless America.

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