[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 23 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1583-S1584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NAVAL RESERVE'S 86TH BIRTHDAY

  Ms. LANDRIEU. Mr. President, on March 3rd we honor the 86th birthday 
of the United States Naval Reserve. Since 1915 the Naval Reserve has 
exemplified the highest virtues of loyalty, service, and sacrifice. 
They have served and fought alongside their active duty comrades from 
the Atlantic to the far reaches of the Pacific, to the jungles of 
Vietnam and across the vast expanse of the Arabian desert as a battle-
tested and skilled force that is the envy of the world.
  Back in 1915, no one could have imagined the role that fledgling 
naval reserve would play in supporting the Navy today. The term 
``Weekend Warrior'' no longer applies to these citizen-soldiers. As a 
trained, professional and well-equipped cadre of dedicated men and 
women, they are a key component of everything the Navy does, both in 
peacetime and in war. Many of them have made the ultimate sacrifice in 
the cause of freedom and we honor their memory.
  They serve on ships, in squadrons, on staffs, and in hospitals 
performing a myriad of tasks essential to mission accomplishment. 
Seamlessly integrated alongside their active-duty shipmates you cannot 
tell the difference between them. This is the reality of today's total 
force and what enables our marvelous military to remain engaged around 
the world.
  They have a proud heritage and a bright future. In the spirit of the 
Minutemen of Lexington and Concord these great Americans stand ready to 
answer their Nation's call at any time,

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and the world is a better place because of the sacrifice they and their 
families make.
  In my hometown of New Orleans, we are fortunate enough to be rich in 
Naval history and tradition. We are the proud home of the Naval Reserve 
Headquarters where Rear Admiral John Totushek commands more than 88,000 
reservists across the United States and around the world.
  As we set out in this new century, the importance of the Naval 
Reserve has never been more clear. Tomorrow, as today and for 
generations past, the razor sharp readiness of the United States Navy 
serves as a beacon to America's friends and a warning to our enemies, 
promising swift action, great victories and richer traditions yet to 
come.
  On this day, I offer warmest regards to all members of the Naval 
Reserve, and to the families who also serve by supporting them. You 
represent all that is wonderful about our Nation.

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