Senate Floor Speech
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison
March 26, 2003 -- Page: S4398

MRS. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I thank the majority and minority leaders for setting aside this time for Senators to talk about events in the battlefield. While our troops are in the field in the Iraqi conflict, I certainly hope we will set aside an hour every morning for Senators to talk about happenings in the field, tributes to the troops, and other related incidents. I can think of no better way to start the Senate every morning than to pay tribute to those who are in the field as we speak.

All of us have seen the graphic pictures on television of the sandstorm and our troops continuing to make their way forward toward Baghdad, even though the pictures show that it is so dark that even in the daytime they have been hampered by these horrendous sandstorms.

I am particularly moved by the prisoners of war and the missing in action. All of us were riveted this weekend to the television that showed our first prisoners taken. There have been quite graphic pictures of these prisoners taken by the Iraqis and published on television stations overseas. They have not, mostly, been published over here. Certain parts have not been published at all.

I say, first, that every single one of the missing or prisoners are from Texas bases, they are from Fort Bliss or Fort Hood--every single one of them.

I have talked to some of the families. I have tried to reach some but I have not been able to. But it really brings it home when you hear that this has happened and you feel as if you know these people because they are so close to home.

I want to reiterate what the President of the United States has said--all of our leaders. We hope the Iraqis will treat the prisoners of war as Americans are treating the Iraqi prisoners of war. Americans are giving the Iraqis medical treatment. They are giving them food and water. I think one of the most poignant early pictures from the field was a marine giving water from his canteen to an Iraqi soldier who had surrendered.

It is my fervent hope that the Iraqis will show a good side in complying with the Geneva Convention so they will not harm these prisoners or in any way treat them improperly, certainly not humiliate them in any way.

There will be more stories of heroism as we go through the coming days and weeks. Today I wish to share some remarks from British Army LTC Tim Collins, who spoke to his troops just before they moved into their first battle against Saddam's forces. These words are stirring and they give us a glimpse into the hearts of those who are carrying out the job in Iraq, who are doing the job so well, part of a coalition of freedom-loving people.

I don't think anyone in America will ever forget the incredible support of the British Government and the British Army. There are many other governments and armies that have come forward. We are up to 45 countries in support of this action, the last I heard. But I particularly was touched by Lieutenant Colonel Collins's speech to his men. He said:

There are some who are alive at this moment who will not be alive shortly. It is my foremost intention to bring every single one of you out alive, but there may be some among us who will not see the end of this campaign. We will put them in their sleeping bags and send them back. There will be no time for sorrow.......

Those who do not wish to go on that journey, we will not send. As for the others, I expect you to rock their world. Wipe them out if that is what they choose. But if you are ferocious in battle, remember to be magnanimous in victory. It is a big step to take another human life. It is not to be done lightly.......

I know of men who have taken life needlessly in other conflicts. I can assure you they live with the mark of Cain upon them. If someone surrenders to you, then remember they have that right in international law and ensure that one day they can go home to their family. The ones who wish to fight, well, we aim to please.......

We go to liberate, not to conquer. We will not fly our flags in their country. Iraq is steeped in history. It is the site of the Garden of Eden, of the Great Flood and the birthplace of Abraham. Tread lightly there.......

You will see things that no man could pay to see and you will have to go a long way to find a more decent, generous and upright people than the Iraqis. You will be embarrassed by their hospitality even though they have nothing......

Colonel Collins and his men formed the first battalion of the Royal Irish Regiment. Colonel Collins is from Belfast and most of his men are from Northern Ireland. We are very proud to have them among our coalition.

I think I speak for every American in saying we support our troops, we support our allies, and we support everything they are doing in the field as we are here, enjoying the freedom they are fighting to keep for us, for our children and our grandchildren.

We will never be able to fully repay the debt to those who have lost their lives, but we will always remember them. We will respect them. We will duly honor them as time goes by, as one of those brave souls in the history of our country who have allowed us to keep the freedom that is the beacon to the world.