Political Quotes

“Madam President, tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of the day the United States entered Afghanistan--the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom. On October 7, 2001, the U.S. military conducted its first strike on the terrorists responsible for attacking our Nation on 9/11. As President Bush said on that day: It was not a mission we asked for but a mission that we would fulfill. For the past two decades, brave men and women have answered the call and put on the uniform of our country to fight terrorists in the name of freedom. We were a beacon of hope in a region of chaos. Our presence made a difference. As I travel my home State of South Dakota, I have heard from many people who were disturbed by the events that unfolded during our final days in Afghanistan. I share their frustrations. Together, we watched the Taliban forcefully regain control of an entire country that we worked so hard to keep free from terrorist groups. We watched the credibility of the United States on the world's stage diminish as we carelessly left our friends and allies behind. We watched civilians hopelessly cling to the wings of aircraft in desperate hope of escape. And we watched 13 brave men and women in uniform lose their lives while helping others seek freedom. As we mourn the loss of their lives, we recognize and appreciate their service to our Nation. We also remember all those who fought by our side for 20 years, many of whom remain trapped in Afghanistan.…”