Mark Udall: “I will vote for this supplemental appropriations bill today, but like many Americans who want to see an end to the war…”

“I will vote for this supplemental appropriations bill today, but like many Americans who want to see an end to the war in Iraq, I am not happy about it. In fact, I am deeply frustrated and saddened by the prospect, but I also am compelled by my conscience to this vote. On Monday, Memorial Day ceremonies throughout Colorado and across the country will honor the men and women in uniform who have paid the full measure of devotion to duty in all of America's wars. But as long as the war in Iraq goes on, every day will be Memorial Day. Already, more than 3,400 of our servicemen and servicewomen have died in Iraq, and more will die before we withdraw our troops. Just last Friday, for example, 33-year old SFC Scott Brown of Windsor, Colorado, and 27-year old SGT Ryan Baum of Aurora, Colorado, were among them. A friend of Ryan's family told reporters, ``Ryan never wanted to be known as a hero, he just did his job.'' In fact, he did his job--and he is a hero. This is not a heroic day in Congress, but as his comrades are faithful to their responsibilities, we must be faithful to ours. And one of those responsibilities--even for those of us who have opposed this war--is to support those brave comrades as they continue to do what the President has ordered them to do.”