Whereas, from the first Continental Army under General
Washington at Yorktown to the beaches of Normandy, the city streets of Iraq,
and the mountains of Afghanistan, the Army has protected and kept the flame of
democracy burning brightly;
Whereas the citizens of the United States continue to
enjoy the benefits of freedom and democracy because the men and women of the
Army have stood through adversity, remained steadfast in the most difficult of
circumstances, and bravely fought against the enemies of peace throughout the
world;
Whereas the sacrifices of the men and women of the Army
inspire and instill great pride in all citizens of the United States;
Whereas the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve
components of the Army protect the Nation from our enemies, defend our vital
national interests, provide support to civil authorities in response to
domestic emergencies, provide ready forces and land force capabilities to the
Combatant Commanders in support of the National Security Strategy, and support
operations around the world, ranging from peace-time military engagements to
major combat operations;
Whereas the Army is successfully performing operations,
other than combat operations, including—
(1)supporting the
defense of South Korea, Japan, and many other friends, allies, and partners of
the United States;
(2)conducting
peacekeeping operations in the Sinai Peninsula and the Balkans;
(3)conducting
multinational exercises that reflect our longstanding commitments to
alliances;
(4)continuing
engagements with foreign militaries to build partnerships and preserve
coalitions by training and advising their military forces;
(5)participating,
most notably by the Army National Guard, in securing the borders of the United
States and conducting operations to counter the flow of illegal drugs;
(6)supporting civil
authorities in responding to domestic emergencies, including natural disasters
and threats at home and abroad;
(7)supporting
interagency and multinational partnerships with technical expertise, providing
critical support after natural disasters, and promoting regional stability;
and
(8)supporting
operations to protect against weapons of mass destruction and block their
proliferation;
Whereas the accomplishments of the Army are attributable
to the men and women of the Army who have demonstrated courage, strength, and
versatility and endured countless hardships and made great sacrifices in
performing diverse missions worldwide;
Whereas the contributions of Army families should also be
recognized, as Army families provide the cornerstone of strength and support
for the Nation’s Soldiers and display tremendous commitment and sacrifice to
the Nation by providing critical support to their loved ones during prolonged
absences;
Whereas the Army has been continuously engaged in
persistent combat operations for more than 6 years, has constantly and
successfully adapted to ever-changing security environments, has displayed
courage, resourcefulness, and resilience in the most grueling conditions, and,
while focused on preparing forces and building readiness for counterinsurgency
operations and providing stability, security, and hope to the peoples of Iraq
and Afghanistan, has taken significant steps toward restoring balance to the
all-volunteer, battle-hardened force; and
Whereas those and countless other great accomplishments
add to the longstanding tradition of the Army and attest to the extraordinary
capability of the men and women who serve the United States in the Army: Now,
therefore, be it
That the Senate—
(1)celebrates the
233rd birthday of the Army;
(2)salutes the men
and women of the Army and their families;
(3)commends the men
and women of the Army as exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of
loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal
courage; and
(4)recognizes that
the great men and women of the Army are the reason it continues to stand as the
best army in the world and continues to perform extraordinary tasks while
upholding its hallowed traditions.