Relating to the Liberation of the Iraqi People and the Valiant Service of the United States Armed Forces and Coalition Forces

RELATING TO THE LIBERATION OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE AND THE VALIANT SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND COALITION FORCES -- (Extensions of Remarks - March 18, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
OF GEORGIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17, 2004

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support, and most heartfelt gratitude to our troops and their families.

It is often said that "freedom is not free," Mr. Speaker. I couldn't agree more. The price of freedom-the freedom that we enjoy here in the United States and freedom that we have helped preserve or create-is great. The cost of freedom is measured in dollars, in time lost away from family and friends, and it is measured in human lives lost on distant battlefields thousands of miles away.

Wherever you serve, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and around the world, you rise to answer the call for freedom without reservation.

So today I rise, in support of our troops who continue to help ensure peace and freedom around the world, and to the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of freedom.

We are grateful and humbled by your capabilities, your courage, and your commitment to the great cause of freedom. You are our heroes and our greatest hope for the future.

Thank you for all that you do. God bless the United States of America.

END