“America’s global leadership is built on many factors, but the most important factor is that America is prepared to back up our wealth with military muscle where it is needed. Our policymakers here in Washington are rightly respected for that. But we need to remember that in an era of all-volunteer forces, the important decisions to defend America are made not just here in Washington but in households throughout our nation, where fine men and women decide they are prepared to put their life on the line for America, to fight for American values and defend American interests. What makes some fine Americans feel so deeply their love for our country that they are prepared to risk their life for it? We can never know that. What we can know -- and must never forget -- is that we Americans who enjoy the freedoms and comforts that our society provides live in their debt.
So we mourn the death of Sergeant Vance in Afghanistan. And we are reminded yet again that America’s strength is built on the quiet individual decisions of hundreds of thousands of Americans -- that America is a society worth fighting for, and in extreme circumstances a society worth dying for.
..Gene Vance died for a just and noble cause. His was prepared to put himself on the line for America, for Americans, and for the society in which he wanted you to live. We in the Senate who have devoted ourselves to serving America and strengthening America recognize a kindred spirit, and are awed by the sacrifice he was prepared to make for the goals we share.”
