[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNITION OF ARMED FORCES DAY: UNITED IN STRENGTH

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                          HON. MARK H. SCHAUER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2009

  Mr. SCHAUER. Madam Speaker, I am proud and it is my distinct 
privilege today to honor the men and women who have served our country. 
President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday, 
Armed Forces Day, for citizens to come together and thank our military 
members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On 
August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the 
creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine 
Corps and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the 
unification of the Armed Forces under one department--the Department of 
Defense--and acknowledges the sacrifices Americans have made for 
freedom. Armed Forces Week has been celebrated every May since 1950. 
This period of time gives civilians a chance to appreciate the 
sacrifices of the men and women currently on active duty, those serving 
in the Guard and Reserve, and all those who served before them.
  Sons and daughters of Michigan have answered their nation's call. We 
are humbled by those who show us that there is no greater love than 
this: to lay down your life in service to your neighbor. We honor those 
who take this risk every day. Today we remember those who have shown 
this greatest love and remember their families. As we gather today let 
us honor and commend the men and women who have served and currently 
serve in the military, for which we are forever grateful. May they know 
of the high esteem in which they are held by their family, their 
friends, their community and the great State of Michigan.

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