Remarks by U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld at the Ministry of Defense, Tirana (26 September 2006)

Mr. Minister. Thank you so very much for those kind words. I am delighted to be back in Albania to meet with the Minister and the other officials of the Government this afternoon. We value our relationship and partnership with Albania and we are certainly deeply grateful to the troops who serve in Iraq and help to defend freedom.

I should say that there is always the question: Why should young men and young women go serve many many miles away in a foreign country. I have been asked that question in many countries. And if you think about it, in Afghanistan there are some 42 nations in the coalition and in Iraq about 34 countries. And they have all sent their finest to help in the war against terrorism.

I can remember being in the Republic of Korea not too long ago and I was asked by a young journalist who clearly was too young to remember the Korean War. She said: Why should our young people all the way across the world into Iraq and Afghanistan and risk their lives on behalf of Korea? I pointed out to her that unless many young men and women fifty years ago had been willing to go all across the world to Korea and help defend freedom there, that she would not be free today.

So what you are doing is historic. I believe you will look back on it five, ten, 15, 20 years from now and see the contribution you have made and the contribution your country has made, and take great pride in what you have done.

Now, for the families and these lovely young ladies and young men in the first row: Greetings! I hope someone is getting a photograph of them. Families also sacrifice and I know that the Minister knows it, I know it, the people in Government know it – you are appreciated for the sacrifice you make. So, as I conclude and go over and shake hands and look in the eyes of these young men, and thank each of them, know that I am thanking you as well.

Thank you so much.

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