Boehner Remarks Honoring America's Troops and their Families at Congressional Remembrance Ceremony

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today spoke at a Congressional Remembrance Ceremony honoring America ’s troops and their families. Following are Boehner’s remarks as prepared:

“America is a nation defined by its unfailing commitment to freedom and liberty. Throughout our nation’s history, freedom and liberty have repeatedly been challenged. And throughout our nation’s history, the men and women of our military have always answered the call.

“We gather today, beneath the Rotunda of our Nation’s Capitol, to say thank you. We gather to honor the five years of service and sacrifice of our troops and their families for the war in Iraq . And we gather to remember those who are serving our nation in Afghanistan and throughout the world.

“Under this Rotunda, we honor our nation’s greatest heroes, and we celebrate their accomplishments. The men and women of our military, and their families, are our nation’s greatest heroes. And their incredible accomplishments are indeed a cause for celebration. Across the globe, bolstered by their faith in God and the love of their families, American soldiers have performed heroic deeds in Iraq, Afghanistan, and beyond. They’ve built schools. They’ve fed and protected communities. They’ve built bridges and infrastructure. They’ve liberated women in Kabul. They’ve liberated nations.

“Their achievements are too numerous to count. ... too widespread to fully catalog. The least we can do is take time from our daily routine to stop, think, and express our thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices our military families have made, and continue to make.

“The life of every American soldier is a precious gift. You are the pride of America. A grateful nation thanks you. And we will never, ever, forget.”