Charles Skelton: “Today, though, I rise to give honor to a crew of brave Americans, the crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and to give warning. I…”

“Today, though, I rise to give honor to a crew of brave Americans, the crew of the U.S.S. Cole, and to give warning. I want to honor those who gave their lives or were wounded while serving their country in a distant port, far away from home and in the cause of furthering the national security interests of our country. I also want to honor the surviving crew members, who stayed with the crippled ship and worked valiantly to recover their wounded or missing shipmates and to repair the damage to their ship. And while I say I speak to give them honor, truly it is they who honor us. They and the millions of others who wear our country's uniform, who honor America by their gift of service and dedication. I also want to extend my deepest sympathies to the families and to the friends of those who perished in this tragedy. Although I know they are saddened by their loss, they should take comfort in that their loved ones died pursuing the most noble of callings, serving in the Armed Forces of the United States. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give warning. Those who committed this barbarous act are already being judged beyond our capacity to review.”