Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today in advance of the fifth anniversary of the start of the Iraq war:

"On this 5th anniversary of President Bush's invasion of Iraq, we are reminded of the sacrifices of the brave members of our Armed Forces and their families.  Hundreds of members of our island community have given their lives in Iraq, along with thousands across our country.  Hundreds of thousands more will bear lifelong scars, due to devastating physical, mental and emotional trauma.  These physical and invisible injuries must be treated.  We must help our wounded warriors heal." 

"There is no evidence that this war has made America safer and there is abundant evidence that the ongoing conflict has cost our country dearly.  In addition to the sacrifices of our brave troops and their families, this war has hampered the readiness of our Armed Forces, distracted us from our mission in Afghanistan, and emboldened Al Qaeda.

"I voted against the use of force in 2002 because I did not believe there was clear and convincing evidence to justify sending our troops into harms way.  However, from the moment our troops were committed, I have worked tirelessly to make sure the brave men and women serving in Iraq have the equipment and facilities they need to perform their duties. 

"I am also working with the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to improve outreach to our National Guard and Reserve.  We are focusing on their needs due to the heightened role they are playing in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

"The costs of war always outlast the war itself.  With that in mind, as we look back at five years of war in Iraq, we must consider how we will care for these veterans for the next fifty years," Akaka said.

Senator Akaka is a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Chairman of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness and Management Support, and Chairman of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. 

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