[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[Senate]
[Page 28876]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES

  Mr. LIEBERMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to Private 
First Class Anthony D. D'Agostino, U.S. Army, of Waterbury, CT. It is 
with great sadness of heart that rather than celebrating his birthday, 
which would have been November 6, we are instead mourning his death. He 
is the sixth member of the military from Connecticut to die in Iraq.
  Even as we mourn his passing, however, we can celebrate his life. His 
father served in the military, and PFC D'Agostino continue that great 
tradition. He lived as a true patriot and defender of our great 
Nation's principles of freedom and justice. He was a member of the 
313th Signal Company, 3rd Signal Brigade, Fort Hood, TX. No doubt, PFC 
D'Agostino was looking forward to some well-deserved rest and 
recuperation as the CH-47 helicopter he was traveling in was shot down 
by a shoulder-type missile, forcing it to crash land. He was killed 
along with 15 others on what has been characterized as one of the 
bloodiest days in Iraq.
  PFC D'Agostino's mission was clear, as was his resolve. He served as 
a messenger of high justice and idealism in the best tradition of 
American principles and patriotism. I am both proud and grateful that 
we have the kind of fighting force he so exemplified.
  Our Nation extends its heartfelt condolences to his family. We extend 
our appreciation for sharing this outstanding soldier with us, and we 
offer our prayers and support. You may be justifiably proud of his 
contributions.

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