[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 95 (Tuesday, June 10, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5457-S5458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE 233RD BIRTHDAY OF THE ARMY
Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now
proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 590, submitted earlier today.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
The legislative clerk read as follows:
A resolution (S. Res. 590) celebrating the 233rd birthday
of the Army and commending the men and women of the Army as
exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of
loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity,
and personal courage.
There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the
resolution.
Mr. AKAKA. Mr President, today Senator Inhofe and I celebrate the
Army's 233rd birthday. For over two centuries, the Army has fought to
preserve the principles of democracy not only here in the United States
but around the world.
Our Nation's Army soldiers have served this Nation with honesty,
courage, and dignity, and it is my privilege to take this opportunity
to commemorate its birth. Both in times of peace, and in times of war,
the U.S. Army has answered the call of duty and responded to the
challenge of defending our Nation. All of our Army units, Active, Guard
and Reserve, share the heritage of the first Continental Army which
fought so valiantly to ensure the birth of a nation founded on the
ideals of justice and freedom.
Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, the commitment and duty of the Army
soldiers who have risked their lives to preserve
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our freedom have left an indelible mark on this Nation. During the
Army's 233-year history, tens of thousands of these brave men and women
have sacrificed their lives on distant battlefields to keep our Nation
safe. I salute them for their service to this country.
Mr. AKAKA. My colleague Senator Inhofe and I also want to pay tribute
to the families of those soldiers who risk their lives for our Nation.
Too often the important role that families play goes unacknowledged but
their faith and devotion are vital to the Army's success. The families
of our soldiers have my deepest appreciation for the sacrifices they
make and for the support they give our troops.
Mr. INHOFE. As this Nation continues to fight in the global war on
terror, the Army has been key to providing the capabilities it needs to
persist in its struggle for liberty and democracy. Through the efforts
of the U.S. Armys the world has been made a more secure, prosperous,
and better place for all of mankind. The courage and dedication of
these soldiers are an inspiration to us all, and may the rest of us
endeavor to be ``Army strong'' in our own lives.
Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the resolution
be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and the motions to reconsider
be laid upon the table.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
The resolution (S. Res. 590) was agreed to.
The preamble was agreed to.
The resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:
S. Res. 590
Whereas, from the first Continental Army under General
Washington at Yorktown to the beaches of Normandy, the city
streets of Iraq, and the mountains of Afghanistan, the Army
has protected and kept the flame of democracy burning
brightly;
Whereas the citizens of the United States continue to enjoy
the benefits of freedom and democracy because the men and
women of the Army have stood through adversity, remained
steadfast in the most difficult of circumstances, and bravely
fought against the enemies of peace throughout the world;
Whereas the sacrifices of the men and women of the Army
inspire and instill great pride in all citizens of the United
States;
Whereas the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve
components of the Army protect the Nation from our enemies,
defend our vital national interests, provide support to civil
authorities in response to domestic emergencies, provide
ready forces and land force capabilities to the Combatant
Commanders in support of the National Security Strategy, and
support operations around the world, ranging from peace-time
military engagements to major combat operations;
Whereas the Army is successfully performing operations,
other than combat operations, including--
(1) supporting the defense of South Korea, Japan, and many
other friends, allies, and partners of the United States;
(2) conducting peacekeeping operations in the Sinai
Peninsula and the Balkans;
(3) conducting multinational exercises that reflect our
longstanding commitments to alliances;
(4) continuing engagements with foreign militaries to build
partnerships and preserve coalitions by training and advising
their military forces;
(5) participating, most notably by the Army National Guard,
in securing the borders of the United States and conducting
operations to counter the flow of illegal drugs;
(6) supporting civil authorities in responding to domestic
emergencies, including natural disasters and threats at home
and abroad;
(7) supporting interagency and multinational partnerships
with technical expertise, providing critical support after
natural disasters, and promoting regional stability; and
(8) supporting operations to protect against weapons of
mass destruction and block their proliferation;
Whereas the accomplishments of the Army are attributable to
the men and women of the Army who have demonstrated courage,
strength, and versatility and endured countless hardships and
made great sacrifices in performing diverse missions
worldwide;
Whereas the contributions of Army families should also be
recognized, as Army families provide the cornerstone of
strength and support for the Nation's Soldiers and display
tremendous commitment and sacrifice to the Nation by
providing critical support to their loved ones during
prolonged absences;
Whereas the Army has been continuously engaged in
persistent combat operations for more than 6 years, has
constantly and successfully adapted to ever-changing security
environments, has displayed courage, resourcefulness, and
resilience in the most grueling conditions, and, while
focused on preparing forces and building readiness for
counterinsurgency operations and providing stability,
security, and hope to the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan,
has taken significant steps toward restoring balance to the
all-volunteer, battle-hardened force; and
Whereas those and countless other great accomplishments add
to the longstanding tradition of the Army and attest to the
extraordinary capability of the men and women who serve the
United States in the Army: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) celebrates the 233rd birthday of the Army;
(2) salutes the men and women of the Army and their
families;
(3) commends the men and women of the Army as exceptional
individuals who live by the Army values of loyalty, duty,
respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal
courage; and
(4) recognizes that the great men and women of the Army are
the reason it continues to stand as the best army in the
world and continues to perform extraordinary tasks while
upholding its hallowed traditions.
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