Daniel Akaka: “on May 10, 2002, our Nation celebrated Foreign Affairs Day, which honors the dedication and accomplishments of the men…”

“on May 10, 2002, our Nation celebrated Foreign Affairs Day, which honors the dedication and accomplishments of the men and women in the Foreign Service, the Civil Service, and as Foreign Service Nationals. It is also a day to remember those who have died in the line of duty. We know that international problems can quickly become problems at home. American diplomats and their staff are on the front lines addressing these problems before they reach our shores, and these Federal employees are just as critical to our national security as modern weaponry and soldiers. Just as members of our armed services risk their lives everyday in defense of freedom, civilians in the Federal foreign affairs workforce stand with the military on the front lines of the war on terrorism. Those in the Civil Service and Foreign Service have protected America's interests overseas and the freedoms we enjoy at home since the earliest years of our Republic. Many have worked in perilous environments.”