[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 29 (Thursday, February 15, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2116-S2117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NATIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR DAY

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
proceed to S. Con. Res. 12.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the concurrent 
resolution by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A resolution (S. Con. Res. 12) supporting the goals and 
     ideals of a National Medal of Honor Day to mark the 
     significance and importance of the Medal of Honor and to 
     celebrate and honor the recipients of the Medal of Honor on 
     the anniversary of the first award of that medal in 1863.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolution.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I further ask the resolution be agreed to, 
the preamble be agreed to, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table and that any statements relating to this measure be printed in 
the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolution (S. Con. Res. 12) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 12

       Whereas the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in 
     action against an enemy force that can be bestowed to a 
     member of the Armed Forces, is awarded by the President, in 
     the name of Congress, to individuals

[[Page S2117]]

     who have distinguished themselves conspicuously by gallantry 
     and intrepidity at the risk of their lives above and beyond 
     the call of duty;
       Whereas the United States will forever be in debt to the 
     recipients of the Medal of Honor for their bravery and 
     sacrifice in times of war or armed conflict;
       Whereas the first Medal of Honor awards were presented to 6 
     men on March 25, 1863, by the Secretary of War;
       Whereas only 3,443 individuals out of the millions of men 
     and women who have served the United States in war, military 
     operations, or other armed conflicts have been awarded the 
     Medal of Honor;
       Whereas there are 111 living recipients of the Medal of 
     Honor, as of January 1, 2007;
       Whereas it is appropriate to commemorate and honor the 
     recipients of the Medal of Honor and what they represent;
       Whereas the people of the United States should always be 
     aware of the significance and meaning of the Medal of Honor;
       Whereas the designation of a National Medal of Honor Day 
     would focus the efforts of national, State, and local 
     organizations striving to foster public appreciation and 
     recognition of Medal of Honor recipients; and
       Whereas March 25, 2007, would be an appropriate date to 
     observe National Medal of Honor Day: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) recognizes the heroism and sacrifice of Medal of Honor 
     recipients;
       (2) recognizes the educational opportunity that a National 
     Medal of Honor Day would present to the people of the United 
     States; and
       (3) supports the goals and ideals of a National Medal of 
     Honor Day to celebrate and honor the contributions of Medal 
     of Honor recipients.

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