Honoring Our Armed Forces

Floor Speech

HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES -- (Senate - April 01, 2008)

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, I rise today to express our Nation's deepest thanks and gratitude to a special young man and his family. I was saddened to receive word that on March 10, 2008, SSG David Julian of Evanston, WY, was killed in the line of duty while serving our country in the war on terrorism. Along with four of his fellow soldiers, Staff Sergeant Julian died from injuries he sustained in a suicide bomber attack in Baghdad, Iraq.

Staff Sergeant Julian was assigned to D Company, 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, GA. He joined the Army right after his graduation from Evanston High School in 1994. He loved the Army and his country and was serving his fourth tour of duty in Iraq. Following his first tour, he laid the wreath for the dedication of the Fallen Comrade Memorial in downtown Evanston. He was laid to rest in his hometown, where he was remembered by family and friends as a determined and courageous warrior, an honorable soldier, and a loving husband and father.

It is because of David Julian that we continue to live safe and free. America's men and women who answer the call to service and wear our Nation's uniform deserve respect and recognition for the enormous burden that they willingly bear. They put everything on the line every day, and because of them and their families, our Nation remains free and strong in the face of danger.

In the Book of John, Jesus said that, ``Greater love has no man than this, that he lay his life down for his friend.'' SSG David Julian gave his life, that last full measure of devotion, for you, me, and every single American. He gave his life defending his country and its people, and we honor him for this selfless sacrifice.

Staff Sergeant Julian is survived by his wife Erin and baby daughter Elizabeth, his mother Bonnie and father Wally, brothers Eric, Chris, and Mark, and sisters Misty, Becky, and Kellee. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters in arms of the U.S. Army. We say goodbye to a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and an American soldier. Our Nation pays its deepest respect to SSG David D. Julian for his courage, his love of country, and his sacrifice, so that we may remain free. He was a hero in life and he remains a hero in death. All of Wyoming, and indeed the entire Nation, is proud of him. May God bless him and his family and welcome him with open arms.

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