(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) spoke on the Senate floor to
discuss the death of Osama bin Laden and pay tribute to the service members and
veterans, and those who have been lost in our military efforts.
The full text of Senator Murray’s speech follows:
Mr. President, I come to the floor today to briefly discuss the tremendous news our
country received last night from President Obama.
Almost
ten years ago, on September 11, 2001, I remember looking out of a window here
in our nation’s capitol, and seeing clouds of black smoke billowing in the air
over the Pentagon.
On
that day America was brutally attacked by terrorists who took aim at the
financial, military, and political centers of our country.
And
although these evil men killed thousands of Americans and caused great
devastation, they were unable to do what they wanted to do most: break our
great country’s spirit.
We
came together as a community, we mourned, we rallied around the families of
those who were lost, and we struck back against those who did us harm.
Mr. President, last night’s tremendous news is the close of a major chapter in the
war on terror.
It
is a great day for justice and for all Americans to remember the strength and
resolve of our nation.
I
applaud the superb work of our intelligence communities and the work of this
Administration who brought the mastermind of the worst attack in our nation’s
history to justice.
But
today I want to pay special tribute to the men and women in uniform who have
answered the call to serve after that fateful day 10 years ago.
Since
the attacks on New York and Washington D.C., more than 2 million American
service members have stepped forward to serve our nation.
Nearly
half of these service members have done more than one tour of duty
abroad.
Many
who have served have come from the ranks of our National Guard and Reserves and
have turned a part time commitment into a full time job protecting our nation.
These
men and women, who chose to join our all volunteer force, come from all walks
of life and from every corner of our nation.
In
my home state thousands have come forward to serve while thousands more have
come to Washington state to train and make their home at our major military
installations.
These
service members have done everything we’ve asked of them, and more.
While
it appears that yesterday’s raid came without American casualties – that of
course has not been the case for so many missions in our fight against
terrorism.
Since
9/11 nearly 6,000 service members have made the ultimate sacrifice for our
country and more than 40,000 have been wounded.
For
many of our service members the scars of their service are visible, and for
others they are invisible.
Many
have lost those closest to them on the battle field and have come home with a
burden that few others know.
Others
will need a lifetime of care from the Department of Defense and the VA.
And
all have left families that love and miss them behind to protect our country.
We
cannot forget these families and the fact that they have sacrificed right by
our service member’s side.
Moving
from base to base, giving up jobs, and putting their loved ones and their
country before their own needs, is a gift that we must repay.
As
the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, it’s my job to ensure
that the lifetime of care these service members and their caregivers need will
be delivered.
So
today as we appropriately take pride in the most significant victory yet in our
fight against Al Qaeda and terrorism, we should also take pause to honor all of
the veterans and active duty service members who have paved the way to this
day.
And
we must remember that this tremendous victory has come with a tremendous cost.
A
cost that we must bear as a nation for many years to come – as our service
members return home.
Mr. President, this is of course also a particularly meaningful day for the
thousands of Americans who lost a family member, friend or loved one on
September 11th.
We
know that this news can’t bring back their loved ones but our hope is that can
help to ease the pain they live with each day.
Like
many Americans my first thought last night after this news was of the victims
and their families, and my thoughts and prayers remain with them during this
time.
Going
forward, we must remain vigilant and focused on the protection of the American
people from terrorism wherever it may be.
And
we must continue to work in the interest of peace and security for all Americans.
Thank
you Mr. President. I yield the floor.
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