Chuck Hagel: “I wish to take a moment to call attention to a significant day in our Nation's history. Not only is this St. Patrick's…”

“I wish to take a moment to call attention to a significant day in our Nation's history. Not only is this St. Patrick's Day, but it was 25 years ago today, St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 1973, that our friend and colleague, Senator John McCain, was released from the Hanoi Hilton. Senator McCain was shot down over Vietnam on October 26, 1967, and spent almost 6 years in a North Vietnamese prison. Most of that time was in solitary confinement. It is appropriate today that we not only recognize that 25-year anniversary of Senator McCain, but recognize the leadership, the inspiration and what he has meant to this country. In a day when I know many people sometimes question whether values do count and standards and expectations do count, our colleague, our friend, Senator McCain, is an embodiment to what is best in this country, what has always been best, and what always will be important--that is loyalty and commitment to your country, that is dedication, it is values and standards, it is having high expectations in oneself. It is a rather unique example of how someone has been able to take the experience that he has had and harness that energy and focus that energy for something very positive for this country and to help make this world better. That is Senator John McCain.”