Congressional Record
Mr. COCHRAN. Mr. President, I rise today to offer a Memorial Day tribute to the brave men and women who have lost their lives protecting the safety and security of our citizens and American interests around the world.
Today, there are media reports about the American people becoming "war weary" after more than a decade of combat activities in Afghanistan, Iraq and elsewhere. Many lives and great expense have been marshaled since the 9/11 attacks, but I would submit that Americans are unfaltering in their appreciation for the honor, courage and dedication shown by our servicemen and women. This is especially the case for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives for their country.
This Memorial Day, I will take time to honor our brave fallen warriors, including the more than 70 military personnel from Mississippi who have died in the service of our Nation in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world over the past decade.
For the Record, I offer the names of these brave Mississippians who have fallen since the Nation commemorated Memorial Day last year. They are:
* Sgt. Christopher R. Bell, 21, of Golden, who died June 4, 2011.
* Petty Officer Stacy O. Johnson, 35, of Rolling Fork, who died July 18, 2011.
* LCpl. Edward J. Dycus, 22, of Greenville, who died Feb. 1, 2012.
* SFC Billy E. Sutton, 42, of Tupelo, who died Feb. 7, 2012.
* MSG Scott E. Pruitt, 38, of Gautier, who died April 28, 2012.
* SSG Carlous Perry, 30, of West Point, who died April 30, 2012.
I am confident that the people of my State will join the national commemoration to remember these men and the thousands of Mississippians, who over the course of this great nation's history, have courageously served and sacrificed their lives in that service. We will also recall their families and their profound loss. On this day of remembrance, we salute those sacrifices and express our gratitude for their brave service.
In these challenging times, we should also reaffirm our commitment to the servicemen and women who today put themselves in danger on our behalf. We must remain resolved to ensure that those who join our Armed Forces are the best equipped and best trained in the world, and that we meet our obligations to those who have served and sacrificed in the defense of our nation.
Let me close by expressing my personal gratitude to all our fallen heroes, and communicating my sincere appreciation to those Mississippians and Americans who answer the call to arms and find themselves in harm's way.
