Dick Lugar: “2 months ago when President Bush declared an end to combat operations in Iraq, I rose to pay tribute to the seven…”

“2 months ago when President Bush declared an end to combat operations in Iraq, I rose to pay tribute to the seven service members with Indiana roots who sacrificed their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I observed that while these seven fine young men were engaged in a noble and worthy cause--making the world safer for all freedom-loving peoples--their deaths again showed us that freedom never comes without a heavy price in human lives. At the time I delivered those remarks, I and all Americans understood that there would still be dangerous times ahead for our service members, but we sincerely hoped there would be no more reports of American service members killed in combat operations. Today, I am sad to report, our troops in Iraq are still very much at risk of injury or the ultimate sacrifice as they work to restore order and a civil society in this troubled country. It seems that almost every day we receive news of soldiers being ambushed or attacked in hit-and-run type incidents. More than 40 American troops have fallen since May 1st. We are still suffering combat casualties, and it is obvious that reconstruction of Iraq is going to be a lengthy and difficult process. During these past 2 months, three of those who fell were brave young men with Indiana roots. Three more Indiana families have been devastated by the loss of a loved one. Today, I would like to pay tribute to these three fine young men.”