[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11158]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     WELCOMING USS ``LINCOLN'' HOME

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 9, 2003

  Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
women and men on board the USS Abraham Lincoln.
  For nearly ten months the sailors on board the Lincoln have been 
engaged in protecting our homeland. During their deployment--the 
longest deployment for an aircraft carrier in 30 years--the crew served 
courageously and selflessly. The brave women and men aboard the Lincoln 
have been embraced by a thankful nation.
  Having just returned from the Lincoln's homecoming celebration, I can 
say without a doubt that the City of Everett and Snohomish County are 
happy to have the sailors home. While seeing them on national 
television gave me and our nation hope, seeing them in person with 
their families was even more inspirational.
  I want to thank every one of those sailors today for their service, 
and I also want to thank their families for their service, even though 
it is a different kind of service. The sailors and their families 
sacrificed for this country. We owe them a debt of gratitude.
  While our technology and know-how far surpassed our opponent's, the 
true success of Operation Iraqi Freedom was due to the women and men 
who volunteered for this service. Their commitment, dedication, 
bravery, and willingness to serve are what define our military might.
  To those who served on this historic sailing of the USS Abraham 
Lincoln, I say: You have done your job and you have done it well. Our 
nation thanks you.
  I am honored to be their Representative in Congress. I thank the 
Speaker for allowing me to speak on the floor today.

                          ____________________