Mark Dayton: “I rise also to pay tribute today to the heroic men and women of our Armed Forces who are performing so well on behalf of…”

“I rise also to pay tribute today to the heroic men and women of our Armed Forces who are performing so well on behalf of our country in Iraq. Their courage, their patriotism, and their valor represent the finest traditions and the best values of the American military and of the country which they serve. They have fought brilliantly, they have fought bravely, and they have fought successfully. They have now advanced to within 10 miles of Baghdad. They have been victorious thus far. They will be victorious from now on. And they will be victorious in the end. To the brave women and men who gave their lives in the service of their Nation, to their families and friends, the people they love and the people who love them, we express our heartfelt gratitude and our deepest sorrow and condolences. We are in awe of your courage, your heroism. As the families and friends of those fallen heroes who are your friends and neighbors, your coworkers and church members, we know that you have suffered the most grievous losses and must be suffering inestimable pain. Our hearts go out to you. Our prayers are with you. We stand beside you ready to help in any way we can. We say also to the families and friends of American soldiers wounded or captured or missing or still fighting or still deployed in Iraq, please let us know how we can support you and assist you during these difficult times.”