Todd Tiahrt: “Today marks the 347th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines.…”

“Today marks the 347th day that Martin and Gracia Burnham have been held captive by Muslim terrorists in the Philippines. This afternoon many members of my family, including my father and mother, will arrive in Washington to visit me and their grandchildren. As I look forward to their visit, I think of the Burnham family and the family reunion they await every day. Too often congressional schedules keep us away from our families. Many of us have had to miss Little League games, school recitals and concerts. That is the hardest part of our job. I cannot imagine missing a year's worth of my children's lives, a year of birthdays, holidays, games, concerts and those precious daily moments. Of all the hardships that Martin and Gracia have endured in the past 11 1/2 months, the greatest must be their separation from their family and knowing how desperately their children miss them. I always cherish my time with my parents and my family, but this week I am especially aware of how lucky I am to have time. I encourage the Bush administration and the Philippine government to continue their efforts, all their efforts, to free Martin and Gracia so the Burnham family can enjoy a family reunion. As always, I ask you to join me in prayer for Martin and Gracia and their loved ones that this nightmare may soon be over.”