[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[House]
[Pages H1380-H1381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING AND HONORING UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES AND SUPPORTING 
                  NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 328) recognizing and 
honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the designation 
of a National Military Appreciation Month, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 328

       Whereas the vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces 
     has been instrumental to the preservation of the freedom, 
     security, and prosperity enjoyed by the people of the United 
     States;
       Whereas the success of the Armed Forces depends on the 
     dedicated service of its members, their families, and the 
     civilian employees of the Department of Defense and the Coast 
     Guard;
       Whereas the role of the United States as a world leader 
     requires a military force that is well-trained, well-
     equipped, and appropriately sized;
       Whereas to maintain such a force, the youth of the United 
     States must possess a commitment to military service 
     sufficient to achieve the levels of recruitment and retention 
     necessary to sustain the strength, vitality, and character of 
     the Armed Forces;
       Whereas to foster and sustain such a commitment it is vital 
     for the youth of the United States to understand that the 
     service provided by members of the Armed Forces is an 
     honorable legacy that protects the freedoms enjoyed by 
     citizens of the United States as well as citizens of many 
     other nations;
       Whereas the Federal Government has a responsibility to 
     raise awareness of and respect for this aspect of the 
     heritage of the United States and to encourage the people of 
     the United States to dedicate themselves to the values and 
     principles for which Americans have served and sacrificed 
     throughout the history of the Nation;
       Whereas service in the Armed Forces entails special hazards 
     and demands extraordinary sacrifices from service members and 
     their families;
       Whereas the support of the families of service members 
     enhances the effectiveness and capabilities of the Armed 
     Forces;
       Whereas the observance of events recognizing the 
     contributions of the Armed Forces is a tangible and highly 
     effective way of sustaining morale and improving quality of 
     life for service members and their families;
       Whereas on April 30, 1999, the Senate passed S. Res. 33 
     (106th Congress), entitled ``Designating May 1999 as 
     `National Military Appreciation Month' '', calling on the 
     people of the United States, in a symbolic act of unity, to 
     observe a National Military Appreciation Month in May 1999, 
     to honor the current and former members of the Armed Forces, 
     including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and 
     peace; and
       Whereas it is important to emphasize to the people of the 
     United States the relevance of the history and activities of 
     the Armed Forces through an annual National Military 
     Appreciation Month that includes associated local and 
     national observances and activities: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) supports the goals and objectives of a National 
     Military Appreciation Month;
       (2) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on 
     the people of the United States, all Federal departments and 
     agencies, States, localities, organizations and media to 
     annually observe a National Military Appreciation Month with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities; and
       (3) urges the White House Commission on Remembrance, 
     established by Congress to honor those who died in service to 
     the United States and those who continue to serve the Nation, 
     to work to support the goals and objectives of a National 
     Military Appreciation Month.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Michigan (Mrs. Miller) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller).

                              {time}  1045


                             General Leave

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and 
extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 
328, as amended
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. LaHood). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from Michigan?
  There was no objection.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Committee on Government Reform, I am 
very pleased that the House is considering House Concurrent Resolution 
328. During the 106th Congress, on April 30, 1999, the United States 
Senate passed Senate Resolution 99 that called for May of 1999 to be 
signified as National Military Appreciation Month. Today's resolution, 
House Concurrent Resolution 328, supports the goals and ideals of 
National Military Appreciation Month. As the war on terror continues, 
this is an appropriate piece of legislation for the House to pass 
today.
  The Members of our Armed Forces have fought to preserve freedom for 
the American people for over 200 years. Recently, new challenges have 
confronted our brave military men and women since the horrific attacks 
on our Nation of September 11, 2001. Our soldiers have courageously and 
effectively carried out remarkable missions in Afghanistan and Iraq 
that respectively intended to disrupt the terrorist networks and to end 
the regime of dictator Saddam Hussein.
  In addition, Mr. Speaker, the United States Armed Forces have 
dramatically expanded their presence in the Middle East and Central 
Asia into once unthinkable locations, such as former Soviet republics. 
These new bases seek to strengthen American alliances with friendly 
countries and to protect the citizens of countless nations across the 
globe.
  Indeed, the war on terror has tested our armed services, and I am 
proud to reported that our servicemen and women have responded very 
honorably.
  In addition to the war on terror, nearly 1,800 United States soldiers 
have defended the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince in recent weeks as 
well. Unquestionably, our great Nation and, indeed, the entire world is 
a safer place because of their commitment and their sacrifice.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that the sponsor of this resolution, the 
distinguished chairman of the Committee on Government Reform, wanted to 
be here for consideration of this legislation. Consistent with my 
earlier request for general leave, I will submit his statement on House 
Concurrent Resolution 328 in writing. I commend the gentleman from 
Virginia (Chairman Tom Davis) for this important resolution, and I urge 
every Member of this House to support its adoption.
  I salute all of our Nation's gallant servicemen and women.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, there is no greater gift a person can give to his or her 
country than to serve in the Armed Forces. Today, we honor the 
thousands of soldiers, men and women, serving our country at home in 
the United States and around the world, as well as the millions of 
Americans who have served in years past.
  While our reasons for going to Iraq, or any other war, for that 
matter, can be questioned and scrutinized, one issue that should remain 
above the political fray is the profound courage that has always been 
exhibited by our troops. They have always honored America by protecting 
our Nation both at home and abroad in a manner befitting a great 
nation. Today our Nation turns to them and says, ``Thank you.''
  Over 500 Americans have lost their lives thus far in Iraq, and it is 
crucial to the future of both our Nation and other nations that 
Americans, both young and old, understand that without these soldiers 
and the countless

[[Page H1381]]

others who have died in wars past, making this ultimate sacrifice, 
there would be no America as we know it today.
  The tremendous freedoms we all enjoy, including freedom of speech, 
the right to representation in government and the right to assemble 
were all earned because tremendous human beings were willing to fight 
for those freedoms. Although no gesture can ever do justice to the work 
done by our men and women of the Armed Forces, with the designation of 
a National Military Appreciation Month, our Nation can do no more to 
thank these brave Americans for the unbelievable service they have 
provided to all of us.
  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong 
support of House Concurrent Resolution 328 and urge my colleagues to do 
so as well.
  Throughout the course of American history, nearly 48 million men and 
women have dedicated their lives to the defense of our land, our people 
and our principles as members of the Armed Forces. The strength of the 
United States is a direct result of their courageous, patriotic and 
dedicated service.
  Last year, I introduced this important resolution to recognize and 
honor both those who have served throughout our history and those 
serving around the world today, and to support the goals and objectives 
of National Military Appreciation Month. This resolution is a follow-on 
effort to Senate Resolution 33, introduced by Senator McCain in the 
106th Congress and unanimously passed by the Senate on April 30, 1999.
  While we always appreciate the men and women of the military, it is 
fitting that we set aside time to do so publicly. National Military 
Appreciation Month seeks to coordinate and provide a framework to do so 
by capitalizing on the various observations throughout the month of 
May, including Loyalty Day, the National day of Prayer, Military 
Spouses Day, Victory in Europe Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day.
  Many groups are already supporting these efforts through various 
means, and they should be applauded. With passage of this resolution we 
call on federal, state and local entities, civic and fraternal 
organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, the media and 
all Americans to commemorate and celebrate the men and women of our 
Armed Forces. It is exactly what a grateful nation should do.
  I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this important resolution.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I simply would urge all Members 
to support the adoption of House Concurrent Resolution 328, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) that the House suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 328, as 
amended
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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