Rick Allen: “I rise today to salute the outstanding ambassadors for our enduring principles of freedom, justice, and individual…”

“I rise today to salute the outstanding ambassadors for our enduring principles of freedom, justice, and individual rights--our brave men and women in uniform who show the heart of America by their good deeds. As the Iraqi people slowly count the ballots from their historic parliamentary election, we are reminded once again of America's far- reaching power to be a force for good in this world. Over the past 2\1/ 2\ years, our brave soldiers have fought courageously and nobly sacrificed to extend the sphere of liberty into what was--up until their arrival--one of the darkest, most despotic alleys on Earth. Their heroic work has helped deliver a new free and just country into the family of nations. We here at home watch the developments in Iraq with a feeling of pride. We are proud of our troops who have borne so much to advance the cause of freedom. We are proud of the Iraqi people, who risked their own lives to cast ballots three times this year for a better future. And we are proud of the heritage of our country--from the American Revolutionary secession from the British monarchy to the Second World War against fascism to the Cold War against imperial communism to today's fight against global terrorists, America has been the shining city on a hill--an ally to all men and women--on every continent, in every country--who yearn to breathe free. In addition to Iraq, we have extended our hand of friendship to the people of Pakistan.…”