U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey today marked the one-year anniversary of Operation Iraqi Freedom, voting for a resolution that praises the U.S. forces’ brave service and the accomplishments of the Iraqi people in the past year.

Gingrey’s statement on the floor of the House:

“I rise to pay tribute to those Americans serving in uniform who have brought liberty to 24 million Iraqi citizens. It is their courage, commitment and endurance that made possible the unprecedented success that we have witnessed half way across the world.

“While soldiers are hunting down leaders of Saddam’s regime, Americans and Iraqis are working together to construct hospitals and schools and establish a new Iraqi government.

“As a physician, I know what it takes to provide health care for a large number of patients. That’s why it amazes me to learn that 52 clinics have been renovated, and more than 600 have been re-equipped to provide primary healthcare.

“More than 22 million doses of vaccines have been delivered to 4.2 million Iraqi children and 700,000 pregnant women. In fact, by the end of 2004 more than 90 percent of Iraqi children under the age of 5 will be immunized against diseases such as polio, tuberculosis and the measles. 

“In February alone, 800 tons of high protein meals were delivered to malnourished children.

“Sadly, those who oppose us are not idle, and I don’t know how long the war on terrorism will last, but I do know America is right, and our military and humanitarian efforts must continue until this evil is eradicated not only in the Middle East, but in the entire world; and while we hope that our allies will not abandon us when we face the inevitable hardships, if necessary, we have the courage to stand alone.

“My prayers remain with the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines deployed around the globe and with their families who wait for them at home with love and patience.”

The resolution affirms that the United States and the world are safer now that Saddam Hussein has been deposed, commends the Iraqi people for their courage in the face of Saddam’s brutal oppression, praises the ratification of Iraq’s interim constitution and thanks U.S. and coalition forces for their valiant efforts in liberating Iraq.