[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    SPEECH BY GENERAL JAMES L. JONES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 2003

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to 
General James L. Jones who recently became the first Marine to assume 
command of the United States European Command, EUCOM. General Jones 
assumed command of EUCOM in Stuttgart, Germany, on January 16, 2003. 
Also, in a change of command ceremony held on January 17, 2003, in 
Mons, Belgium, General Jones became NATO's Supreme Allied Commander, 
Europe. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share with the Members of the House 
the speech General Jones presented as he stepped into the command at 
EUCOM.

                           EUCOM COC Remarks

       Ambassador Coats, Members of Congress, Secretary Wolfowitz, 
     General and Mrs. Myers, General and Mrs. Ralston, General and 
     Mrs. Wald, State Secretary Bohmler, Lord Mayor Doctor 
     Schuster, Professor Doctor Rommel, Distinguished Guests, 
     Ladies and Gentlemen, Men and Women in Uniform, and Friends 
     and Families: It is truly wonderful to be in Stuttgart again! 
     Having been raised in Europe, and having served in this 
     command from 1992-94, I have grown to appreciate the 
     privilege and warmth of German hospitality--thank you one and 
     all for welcoming us back and for making this a truly special 
     occasion for Diane and me.
       Men and women in uniform have the honor of serving our 
     respective nations . . . and for Americans here present, it 
     is a special responsibility to be able to serve our country 
     overseas. America is fortunate to be a Nation of influence . 
     . . the record of history will reveal it to be an influence 
     for the greater good of freedom-loving people for stability 
     and for the cause of peace in the world.
       Nonetheless, we live in dangerous times . . . there are 
     some in this world who would threaten our common ideals and 
     our goals. They follow an ideology of illicit trade, illegal 
     drugs, assassination, and global terrorism. They are, today, 
     the cause of much of the suffering in the world, and so . . . 
     it is morally right that those who love freedom . . . and are 
     willing to defend it . . . pursue them into every dark corner 
     of the world from which they plot and ply their trade.
       We must, and will, remain vigilant and steadfast . . . 
     victory in this global war will not come quickly . . . nor 
     will we achieve it alone. It will take men and women of great 
     character and courage to prevail in these demanding times--
     men and women such as those assembled here today . . . the 
     men and women of the U.S. European Command working towards 
     our common objectives in partnership with our friends and 
     allies.
       More than courage and character, qualities of principled 
     leadership will remain vitally important. Fortunately for all 
     of us, we have all benefited first hand from the 
     extraordinary leadership of General and Mrs. Ralston over the 
     past two and one-half years.
       Joe and Dede, thank you both for your years of service to 
     our Nation and to freedom loving people everywhere . . . for 
     your caring advice and warm friendship . . . for your 
     extraordinary generosity and thoughtfulness in making this 
     transition so effective and enjoyable . . . Diane and I wish 
     you every happiness as you move into the next phase of your 
     lives and as you go north to Alaska.
       Men and women of the U.S. European Command, I am extremely 
     humbled and proud to serve with you. Many challenges remain. 
     We will not lack for important things to do. Where there is 
     great challenge, there is great opportunity for those with 
     the will and the courage to seize the moment. Now is such a 
     moment.
       The war on terrorism, changes to the unified command plan, 
     and ongoing operations will all complete for our time and our 
     resources . . . and we must also ensure that the quality of 
     life provided to our families receives proper attention as 
     well, for they play a critical role in the readiness of our 
     force.
       Diane and I look forward to working with you and your 
     families . . . to continue to improve the spirit of security 
     and cooperation we have worked so hard to build. To our 
     German hosts, thank you for your warm hospitality and support 
     . . . and to all of you present here today, thank you for 
     making this event such a memorable one for both Diane and me.

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