[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6714]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         WELCOMING HOME THE 2ND BATTALION, 24TH MARINE REGIMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2005

  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday at All State Arena in 
Chicago, it was my honor to participate in welcoming home some of 
America's most recent heroes--the brave men and women of the 2nd 
Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment--to their families, friends and a 
deeply grateful nation.
  Following a seven-month tour in Iraq, it was a privilege to join in 
thanking these intrepid Marines for their service and sacrifice to our 
Nation. They served at the center of one of the most unstable and 
dangerous regions in Iraq known as the ``Triangle of Death.'' The unit 
compiled an impressive service record, including the capture of more 
than 600 insurgents, and secured the delivery of life-saving medicine 
and humanitarian supplies. Those who observed that this particular unit 
never appeared to sleep while seemingly defending every position in the 
area understood why these Marines are known as the ``Mad Ghosts.''
  The reunion I attended at All State Arena was filled nearly to 
capacity with proud Illinoisans awaiting their loved ones. Welcoming 
them home, however, was incomplete as thirteen Marines of the 2nd 
Battalion did not return to their families. This void is a solemn 
reminder of the unit's sacrifice to fight for democracy in Iraq.
  I look forward to the day when all of the men and women of our Armed 
Forces return home to the same kind of warm reception that the 2nd 
Battalion received this past Saturday. Until that day, we will continue 
to commit our complete and unwavering support to our troops as they 
continue fighting for liberty and to preserve today's fragile democracy 
in Iraq. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers and continue 
working to bring them home to their families.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Fifth Congressional District of 
Illinois, I thank each of the Marines we just welcomed home for their 
valor and service, and I remind my colleagues that the freedoms we hold 
dear depend on the courage and honor of U.S. troops like those who 
follow the example set by the Mad Ghosts of the 2nd Battalion, 24th 
Marine Regiment.

                          ____________________