Chuck Hagel: “the world has been watching images from Iraq, of the Iraqi people celebrating the end of a brutal tyranny, and of the…”

“the world has been watching images from Iraq, of the Iraqi people celebrating the end of a brutal tyranny, and of the American soldiers who have given the Iraqi people hope for a new beginning. Over the past 3 weeks, the men and women of America's Armed Forces have shown a degree of precision and professionalism unprecedented in military history. Their commitment to their country builds on the expectations, traditions and character of those who have gone before them. It builds on the traditions of over two centuries of American courage and sense of honor, built by people such as Dan Inouye, Bob Dole, Charlie Rangel, John McCain and millions of other American veterans. The end of Saddam's regime does not end our commitment in Iraq. It is only the beginning. America's soldiers will continue to face great risks in Iraq. Lives will continue to be lost. Restoring order, peace-keeping, and rebuilding in Iraq are the tasks ahead, and our men and women in uniform will be asked to risk their lives to meet these challenges, as they have in bringing an end to Saddam Hussien's tyranny. Among the many brave men and women who have sacrificed in Iraq, I would like to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of those men and women in uniform from my State of Nebraska. Thousands of Nebraskans are on active duty in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Their stories are the stories of America's courage, achievement, and sacrifice in Iraq.”