CLEVELAND, March 19 — BLE International President Don M. Hahs today issued the following statement concerning the war in Iraq:
“As the threat of war in Iraq appears imminent, hundreds of thousands of brave men and women in uniform find themselves in harms way thousands of miles from their homes and loved ones. They deserve our respect, admiration and support.
“I ask that all BLE members, regardless of whether they support or oppose the war, pray for our troops in Iraq and in other places around the world. They are making great sacrifices on our behalf and on behalf of freedom. We should not let those sacrifices go unnoticed.
“I am very proud of each and every man and woman in uniform today — protecting our country and our way of life. They have my full support and best wishes for a speedy return to their homes and loved ones.”