Political Quotes

“last Monday, I had the privilege of attending the memorial service for the 15 Americans killed in the tragic friendly fire incident over northern Iraq on April 14, 1994. The service was held at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel. It was conducted under the joint leadership of the chief of chaplains of the Air Force and the chief of chaplains of the Army. I want to commend chaplain, Maj. Gen. Matthew Zimmerman, chief of chaplains for the Army, chaplain, Maj. Gen. Donald J. Harlin, chief of chaplains for the Air Force, and their deputies, chaplain, Brig. Gen. Donald W. Shea and Brig. Gen. Arthur S. Thomas for the solemn and moving ceremony. It brought comfort to everyone in attendance and honor to the dedicated Americans who gave their lives in the service of our Nation. Madam President, the death of the 15 Americans and 11 Allied personnel was a national tragedy. Its impact on the Nation was reflected by the attendance at the service of President Clinton, Secretary of Defense Perry, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Shalikashvili. Each spoke eloquently and emotionally on the dedication and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and their commitment to our Nation. Without slighting the President or Secretary of Defense, I want to read an excerpt from General Shalikashvili's remarks that sum up the emotions that ran throughout the chapel that day: And so to family and friends, know that we grieve with you and that your loss is our loss.…”