Utah's political leaders from both parties Tuesday echoed sentiments from a speech by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld with an outpouring of support for U.S. troops in Iraq.
They made individual speeches at the American Legion's 88th annual national convention at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City on the first day of the Legion's three-day general session.
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, recalled how in past wars the U.S. role has been to free the people who are under the rule of an enemy's government, not to "conquer" and permanently occupy those countries.
"America is not an empire," Bennett said. "America does not seek to do the kinds of things the Romans did, the Ottomans did or the British did, to conquer and then occupy and subjugate the people who lost those wars."
Bennett said there's always a chance the United States may not win in conflicts with Iraq and Afghanistan, adding, "The consequences of failure are significant enough that we must continue to try."
Republican Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who visited Iraq earlier this year, recalled a conversation he had recently with Tony Galvez, the father of fallen Marine Cpl. Adam Galvez, whose funeral will take place 2 p.m. today at Calvary Chapel of Salt Lake, 460 W. Centery Drive (4350 South).
"(Galvez) said, 'You know, he died a hero, and that's all I need to know as a father,"' Huntsman said about Galvez's comments.
In expressing his own support for U.S. soldiers, Huntsman said, "We cannot let them down."
Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, praised families of military members who have died during the Iraq war.
"They serve as well," he said. "We pay a steep price for freedom."
Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, drew the most applause from thousands of Legionnaires as he defended the current war effort.
"What we are doing in Iraq is legal and it is the right thing to do," Bishop said.
Democratic Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon said Republicans and Democrats, regardless of whether they agree with the terms of going to war with Iraq, should rally behind soldiers.
"It's our duty and honor," he said, "to support our troops."
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