[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18980]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                    UNDERTAKING A DANGEROUS MISSION

  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, this morning I have come to the Senate floor 
to talk about our late friend and Senate majority leader, Mike 
Mansfield. But before I do, I shall take a moment to recognize the 
efforts of the men and women of our Armed Forces who have undertaken a 
dangerous mission in the past few days. They are fighting to protect 
our Nation's interests and its security. They are working to ensure the 
freedom of others across the globe, never wavering in their duty. 
Throughout America's history, our sons and daughters have always been 
ready to answer that call to duty. In particular, West Virginians have 
a proud and enviable record of service to our country in perilous times 
of war and conflict. This time is no different; mountaineers once again 
are playing an important role in the defense of our country.
  Our soldiers, sailors, and airmen are now engaged in what could be a 
long battle. In locales stretched around the world, they will put 
themselves in harm's way. They will fight to protect our freedoms and 
the freedoms of people around the world. We in the Senate and House of 
Representatives will make sure they have the resources they need in 
order to be successful, but until their return home they and their 
families will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over them 
and bring them home safely in the end.

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