[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 86 (Friday, May 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1074-E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. TODD TIAHRT

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2008

  Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in 
support of H. Con. Res. 334, honoring the Armed Forces of the United 
States of America during ``National Military Appreciation Month.'' 
During this month, we Americans honor and recognize all the military 
members who serve and have given their lives in defense of the freedoms 
we enjoy today. This bill recognizes those on active duty in all 
branches of service, the National Guard and Reserves, retirees, 
veterans, and all of their families.

[[Page E1075]]

  We must continue to impress upon our children and grandchildren the 
sacrifices that our armed services have provided this country. We must 
be diligent in reminding all Americans, young and old, that the price 
of freedom is paid for everyday, through the blood, sweat and tears of 
our brave men and women of the Armed Forces and the sacrifices made by 
their family members.
  Additionally, our Education System has the duty and the 
responsibility to continue to highlight the historical impact of the 
military throughout the last 230 years. Americans must never forget the 
historical impact of the military in United States history and the role 
they played in ensuring the American way of life. Events like the 
American Revolution, the Civil War, Pearl Harbor, Normandy, and World 
War I and II, must always be remembered for the important role they 
played in making the United States of America the greatest country in 
the world.
  Finally, while we understand and praise the personal sacrifices our 
brave men and women make in defending our great Nation, we frequently 
forget that duty is a 24-7, 365-day commitment for the soldiers and 
their families. As we continue our Global War on Terror, military 
members of the Armed Forces will continue to shoulder the burden of 
freedom and independence. A month-long dedication to their tireless 
efforts is the cast we can do as Americans.
  Americans, during the National Military Appreciation Month, should go 
out of their way to shake the hand of a military member, say a special 
thank-you, and continually pray for our soldiers and their families.
  The Armed Forces of the United States of America continue to play a 
vital role in the defense of this country. Their contributions and 
sacrifices have not gone unnoticed and designating May as National 
Military Appreciation Month is a perfect opportunity for us as a Nation 
to pay great tribute to their tremendous sacrifices.
  I encourage my colleagues to support this important resolution and am 
pleased that today the House recognizes the valuable contributions of 
the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

                          ____________________