[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 26 Introduced in House (IH)]

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118th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 26

    Expressing support for replacing the term ``Thank you for your 
             service'' with ``Thank you for our freedom''.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                            January 11, 2023

   Mr. Bergman (for himself and Mr. Correa) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and 
 in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, for a period to be 
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration 
  of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee 
                               concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
    Expressing support for replacing the term ``Thank you for your 
             service'' with ``Thank you for our freedom''.

Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes the brave service of members of 
        the regular and reserve components of the Armed Forces, veterans, and 
        their families;
Whereas the House of Representatives hereby renews its commitment to support and 
        thank these men and women for preserving our freedom so that Americans 
        will always remember their crucial role in our history and our 
        aspiration for a world protected under the banner of freedom;
Whereas, though Americans are proud to show appreciation for the service of 
        members of the Armed Forces and veterans, the real message should be 
        direct and personal: ``Thank you for our freedom'';
Whereas, at the close of World War II, Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral 
        Chester Nimitz, selected Roy ``Butch'' Voris to form a Navy flight 
        exhibition team, later to be known as the Blue Angels, and, as the First 
        Blue Angel, Butch created an image that became symbolic of the United 
        States Navy, American patriotism, and American freedom;
Whereas one day, while having lunch with a fellow aviator and wearing his ``1st 
        Blue'' ball cap, someone walked by Butch's table and said, ``Thank you 
        for your service'';
Whereas Butch's friend realized that Butch was surprised so he explained that 
        this was a phrase that people said to show appreciation for the 
        military, and, without missing a beat, Butch announced for all to hear, 
        ``He should thank us for his freedom'';
Whereas Butch has since passed but his message should live on forever, and, in 
        honor of all who currently serve in the Armed Forcecs, and our 
        20,000,000 living veterans, the House of Representatives proclaims that 
        the best way to show recognition, respect, and honor for those who have 
        and continue to put their lives on the line is to declare ``Thank you 
        for our freedom'';
Whereas our Nation has many sacred obligations, including preparation of, and 
        support for, the troops sent into harm's way, and to care for them and 
        their families when they return home;
Whereas for far too long, our Nation has fallen short in our obligation to our 
        military, and in addition to support and care, the Nation is are 
        committed to ensuring that all our currently serving members, veterans, 
        and their families, caregivers, and survivors, receive the respect they 
        have earned, and we declare ``Thank you for our freedom'' is to be 
        embraced;
Whereas this message will be the banner of freedom to unify our Nation;
Whereas regardless of our personal preferences and leanings, the House of 
        Representatives is united in the mission to keep our country free, and 
        our ability to disagree is provided by the freedoms protected by these 
        men and women;
Whereas the House of Representatives calls on the President to support this 
        message and aid in spreading this message to the citizens of our 
        country;
Whereas the House of Representatives calls on Members of Congress to take this 
        message back to their constituents and embrace ``Thank you for our 
        freedom''; and
Whereas the House of Representatives call on citizens of the United States, here 
        and abroad, to show their support for the freedoms that have been 
        provided for them, and among the many ways to express their thanks, we 
        invite citizens to embrace ``Thank you for our freedom'' across all 
        forms of communication and social media in appreciation to all who serve 
        or have served: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives expresses support for 
the term ``Thank you for our freedom'' as the way to respect members of 
the Armed Forces and veterans.
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