Mark Kelly: “Almost a week ago, people all over the world awoke to the news of a terrorist strike against one of our naval ships.…”

“Almost a week ago, people all over the world awoke to the news of a terrorist strike against one of our naval ships. Like countless other Americans, I was stunned by the early reports. Over the next several hours and days, the gravity of the situation became clearer. The Navy has reported that seventeen sailors were killed by this blast and another 33 were injured. Today, I join many with my colleagues in rising to honor these men and women who gave their lives to protect our nation and all she stands for. Today, the families of those lost honored them at a memorial service in Norfolk, Virginia, the Cole's home port. Throughout the ceremony we were reminded of the sacrifice by not only those in uniform, but their families as well. Unfortunately this sacrifice is often forgotten, but it is never unappreciated. It is truly an extraordinary person who is willing to commit to this type of service and dedicate his/her life to something larger than him/herself. My own district also suffered the loss of a loved one in this attack. Patrick Roy, a onetime resident of Cornwall on Hudson, New York was a Fireman Apprentice on the U.S.S. Cole, and I offer my deepest sympathies to his friends and family.”