[Congressional Bills 106th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S.J. Res. 46 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







106th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. J. RES. 46

      Commemorating the 225th Birthday of the United States Army.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              June 6, 2000

Mr. Thurmond introduced the following joint resolution; which was read 
          twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

_______________________________________________________________________

                            JOINT RESOLUTION


 
      Commemorating the 225th Birthday of the United States Army.

Whereas on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress, representing the 
        citizens of 13 American colonies, authorized the establishment of the 
        Continental Army;
Whereas the collective expression of the pursuit of personal freedom that caused 
        the authorization and organization of the United States Army led to our 
        Nation's Declaration of Independence and the codification of our basic 
        principles and values in the Constitution of the United States;
Whereas for the past 225 years, our Army's central purpose has been to fight and 
        win wars that were typically fought and won on distant, foreign 
        battlefields, while at home, the Army provided for the Nation's 
        security;
Whereas whatever the mission, the Nation turns to its Army for decisive victory, 
        regardless of whether those are measured in the defeat of foreign Army 
        forces or the timely delivery of humanitarian assistance at home or 
        abroad;
Whereas the 172 battle streamers carried on the Army's flag are testament to the 
        valor, commitment, and sacrifice of those who have served and fought 
        under its banner;
Whereas Valley Forge, New Orleans, Mexico City, Gettysburg, Verdun, Bataan, 
        Normandy, Pusan, Ia Drang Valley, Grenada, Panama, and Kuwait are but a 
        few of the places where American soldiers have won extraordinary 
        distinction and respect for our Nation and our Army;
Whereas ``Duty, Honor, Country'' are more than mere words, they are the creed by 
        which the American soldier lives and serves;
Whereas while no one can predict the cause, location, or magnitude of future 
        battles, there is one certainty--American soldiers of character, 
        selflessly serving the Nation, will continue to be the credentials of 
        our Army;
Whereas the Army is prepared to answer the Nation's call, and such calls have 
        been increasing in number and disparity in recent years;
Whereas the threats are less distinct and less predictable than the past, but 
        more complex and just as real and dangerous;
Whereas our Army, the world's most capable and respected ground force, is in the 
        midst of an unparalleled transformation as it prepares for the new 
        challenges of the next century and a different world;
Whereas future forces will be prepared to conduct quick, decisive, highly 
        sophisticated operations anywhere, anytime; and
Whereas our Army will be ready to fight and win our Nation's call to service at 
        home and abroad: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That Congress--
            (1) recognizes the valor, commitment, and sacrifice that 
        American soldiers have made throughout the history of the 
        Nation;
            (2) commends the United States Army and American soldiers 
        for 225 years of selfless service; and
            (3) calls upon the President to issue a proclamation 
        recognizing the 225th birthday of the United States Army and 
        calling upon the people of the United States to observe that 
        anniversary with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
                                 <all>