On the recordMay 2, 2011
Mr. President, John D. Rockefeller once said, ``I do not think there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.'' The hunt for bin Laden seemed to battle against the force of nature itself. And the perseverance of those that hunted bin Laden--our brave troops, our intelligence officers, and countless other Americans--was essential to their success. The brave Americans that hunted bin Laden battled a vast expanse of ungoverned territory across Afghanistan and Pakistan, central Asia's frigid mountains, endless villages in the most remote part of the globe. Their mission at times seemed impossible. But the perseverance of America's bin Laden hunters helped them conquer these challenges: perseverance; hard work; quiet dedication to duty. So many Americans worked so hard for so long to make this possible. I am so grateful to all those that serve, these quiet professionals have made all Americans very, very proud. Today, we must pause to reflect on what this means. We remember the suffering of the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. We remember the sacrifice by our troops serving in harm's way to keep us safe. It is fitting that bin Laden lived long enough to witness the utter failure of the strategy he masterminded. From his hideout, he saw a peaceful revolution in Tunisia. He watched as millions of young Egyptians peacefully and proudly demanded change.…





