[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 68 (Tuesday, June 6, 2000)]
[Senate]
[Page S4575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
By Mr. THURMOND:
S.J. Res. 46. A joint resolution commemorating the 225th birthday of
the United States Army; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
commemorating june 6, 2000, as the united states army's 225th birthday
Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, today on the anniversary of D-Day, June
6th, 1944, I have the great privilege to introduce a joint resolution
honoring the United States Army on its 225th birthday.
Before there was a United States of America, there was an American
Army, born on June 14th, 1775. On the town square of Cambridge,
Massachusetts, a small group of American colonists came together to
form an army, under the authority of the Continental Congress. This
June 14th, we will look back over those 225 years and see clearly that
the forming of the colonial Army was the prelude to the birth of our
nation. As the Army's slogan for this commemoration says, it was the
``Birth of an army and the birth of freedom.''
Like Members of this body, to be a soldier is to believe in something
other than what we can achieve for ourselves as individuals. I am proud
to help celebrate the Army birthday, marking more than two centuries of
selfless service to the United States of America. More than 42 million
Americans have raised their right hands to take an oath, both in times
of crisis and in times of peace.
As I introduce this resolution, I ask that each of you please join me
next month to extend the heartfelt thanks of this Congress to each and
every soldier for their outstanding service to our nation!
Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the joint
resolution be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the joint resolution was ordered to be
printed in the Record, as follows:
Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I want to take a moment to note that
Senator Thurmond, who took the floor and introduced a joint resolution
commending our Armed Forces, is someone who should also be commended
personally today. This is the 56th anniversary of Senator Thurmond's
landing in the D-Day invasion.
As we consider the construction of the museum in New Orleans, LA, to
pay tribute to those soldiers and all those involved in the D-Day
invasion, we should take a moment on the floor of the Senate to pay
tribute to our colleague from South Carolina, who had such a
distinguished career in the military. It is almost inconceivable to
think he was there as a volunteer to fly a glider into the D-Day
invasion--probably one of the more dangerous assignments of the men and
women in uniform who made that invasion such a success. The fact that
he is here today is a tribute to not only his longevity, but his
continued dedication to this country.
On behalf of a generation--frankly, I wasn't born when that occurred
but have been the beneficiary of that victory--I say to my colleague
from South Carolina that we are in deepest debt to him for his personal
service to this country, and for his courage in participating in that
D-Day invasion. I commend not only him but also all of those who made
that invasion such a success, and hope that on this 56th anniversary
all of the people involved, and their families who waited expectantly
to hear the results of that invasion, will be remembered in the
thoughts and prayers of every American family.
Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I thank the Senator for his kind words.
I would do it again, if necessary.
Mr. DURBIN. There is no doubt in the mind of any Member of the Senate
that Senator Thurmond would volunteer again, as he just promised that
he would. I thank the Senator again.
S.J. Res. 46
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.
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