Political Quotes

“Today I rise to recognize retired United States Air Force Colonel Carlyle ``Smitty'' Harris of Tupelo, Mississippi. On this day in 1973, after nearly 8 years of being held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, he was released to be reunited with his wife, Louise; his daughters, Robin and Carolyn; and his son, Lyle, who was born 1 month after he was captured. Colonel Harris became a POW on April 4, 1965, when his F-105 Thunderchief was shot down by enemy fire while he was on a mission to attack a bridge known as the Dragon's Jaw, an important target in northern Vietnam. After he was captured, he was then transported to the well-known Hanoi Hilton. Colonel Harris taught his fellow prisoners a vital way of communicating with each other through a method called the tap code. This gave the men the ability to communicate without speaking, establishing a chain of command and boosting morale. While he experienced cruelty, torture, and isolation, he was able to find solace in his faith in God, love for his country, and hope of seeing his family again. Colonel Harris embodies the characteristics that make you proud to be an American. Thank you, Colonel Harris, for your service. I join you in celebrating this happy anniversary of your homecoming. ____________________”