Fallen Heroes

FALLEN HEROES -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 02, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Ms. MCCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, it is with great reflection that I rise to recognize the hundreds of thousands of soldiers serving in our armed services today around the world, and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the protection of our great country.

This has been a difficult year for many families in Minnesota, particularly those who have loved ones serving overseas in the armed forces. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the global campaign against terrorism have required much of the American people and the sacrifices are significant. War has separated thousands of Americans from their loved ones. Many families have not seen their fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, or friends and relatives for many months.

Today, the House rises in a moment of silence to recognize our fallen heroes. I would like to specifically mention the eight Minnesotans whose selfless acts of heroism in Iraq over the past year cost them their lives: Jim Herrgott, 20, of Shakopee; Brian Hellermann, 35, of Freeport; Dale Panchot, 26, of Northhome; Patrick Dorff, 32, of Buffalo; Matthew Milczark, 18, of Kettle River; Levi Angell, 20, of Cloquet; Moises Langhorst, 19, of Moose Lake; and Tyler Fey, 22, of Eden Prairie. Their service and their spirit live on in the memory of all Minnesotans.

This Memorial Day, I urge all Minnesotans to pause and remember those who have served our nation and those that continue to serve today. The debt of gratitude we owe these brave men and a woman is great and we must never forget their sacrifices for our freedom.