Memorial Day 2006

MEMORIAL DAY 2006 -- (Senate - May 25, 2006)

Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to those men and women of the United States Armed Services who have given their lives to defend our Nation and the ideals it represents.

Numerous times in the history of our Nation, the men and women of our Armed Forces have been called upon to defend the freedom we hold so dear. Sadly, many of those brave individuals never returned to the homes and families they selflessly left behind. Today, we honor their sacrifice and ensure that we as a nation will never forget the debt of gratitude that is owed them.

New Mexicans have a long and notable history of military service. During the Spanish American War, New Mexico guardsmen served with Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders at the Battle of San Juan Hill. New Mexicans of the 1st Infantry Regiment fought with the 40th Infantry Division in France after the U.S. entered the First World War. While participating in the Italian campaign of the Second World War, new Mexicans of the 104th Tank Destroyer battalion were awarded 8 Silver Stars, 60 Bronze Stars, and 135 Purple Hearts. Of course no one will forget the contribution Navajos from my home state made as ``code talkers'' or the bravery of the ``New Mexico Brigade'' in the Philippines during World War II. During the Vietnam War, the l88th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the New Mexico Air National Guard flew over 6,000 combat sorties and amassed over 630 medals and decorations before its release from Federal active duty in June 1969. These are just a few examples of the distinction with which New Mexicans have served our Nation. From the swamps of Cuba to the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of Iraq, many New Mexicans have given their lives on behalf of America, and for these reasons on Memorial Day we honor these brave men and women.

We must never forget the sacrifices of our solders, sailors, airmen and marines. I encourage New Mexicans and all Americans on this Memorial Day to take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have fallen in our defense. I ask that New Mexicans think of them and their families, and give thanks that we are blessed with such heroic men and women.

On this Memorial Day, let us not overlook the men and women of our armed forces who since September 11, 2001 have been called away from home to fight the Global War on Terror. Many of these individuals are National Guardsmen like the members of Task Force Phoenix serving in Afghanistan, the 1116th Transportation Company serving in Iraq and Task Force Cobra serving in Kuwait. I would like to thank them and all the men and women of our State who have returned from previous deployments overseas. Not only have they made their family and state proud, they have made their country proud as well.

Today I would like to make special mention of those New Mexicans of the active and reserve military who have given their lives in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror. They, like Americans of generations past, answered the call to defend this great Nation from those who would do it harm. In the spirit of the efforts put forth by such individuals, it is imperative America forever remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.

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