[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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