[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 7330-7331]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




       EXPRESSING SUPPORT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE PRESIDENT AND 
     MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION IRAQI 
                                FREEDOM

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                  in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 3, 2003

  Mr. LINCOLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, as we begin this 
arduous process of disarming Saddam Hussein of his weapons of mass 
destruction, I wish to thank our brave men and women in uniform for 
their service. Let us pray for their safe return to their homes and 
families.
  During my career in the House, I've continually been struck by the 
dedication of those who wear this Nation's uniform. Prepared to offer 
the ultimate sacrifice, they serve for love of their country, for the 
safety of each one of us, and for the cause of freedom throughout the 
world.
  The expertise and professionalism of our service men and women is 
without parallel. They understand the significance of their mission, 
and the dangers, but they will complete this task that has been laid 
before them.

[[Page 7331]]

  Their mission is to disarm one of the greatest threats to the free 
and peaceful people of the world. The Iraqi people will no longer 
suffer from the horror of Saddam's regime. We must ensure our armed 
forces can complete this job knowing their country is fully behind 
their efforts.
  God bless our brave men and women.

                          ____________________