[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ARMED FORCES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2009

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of 
H. Res. 377, ``Recognizing Armed Forces Day and the exemplary services 
of the members of the United States Armed Forces.'' This resolution was 
introduced by my distinguished colleague Representative Calvert of 
California. The Armed Forces are an important part of the American 
society, and they deserve a day of admiration during National Military 
Appreciation Month. I am proud to today and offer my support to our 
Armed Forces as I publicly acknowledge their commitment and 
contributions to our country.
  I do not believe there is a person in this House, or a person in this 
building, who does not feel a remarkable pride in the presence of the 
men and women who serve in our nation's military. 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. Their incredible sacrifices and courage in the face of 
innumerable hazards have been critical to the preservation of the 
freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed that we as Americans have 
come to love, enjoy, and even expect.
  Armed Forces Day is an important part of National Military 
Appreciation Month. It is a day to celebrate and appreciate all the 
Armed Forces. The Armed Forces in our country are truly an admirable 
group of individuals who demonstrate the strength, unity, and community 
that the United States stands for. It is important we recognize the 
Armed Forces as individuals and as a group for all that they contribute 
to our great nation.
  H. Res. 377 is essential to demonstrating the Congress's support and 
acknowledgement of such an important day. The Armed Forces are a 
substantial entity of our nation and greatly contributes to our 
strength as a nation on a very real and global level. H. Res. 377 will 
further emphasize this importance, and more importantly, focus on a 
genuine appreciation for all military involvement across the United 
States. To remain as a world leader, the United States must maintain a 
well-trained and well-equipped army. As a Representative of the Federal 
Government, we must encourage the people of the United States to 
recognize the values and principles of our nation which the military 
encompasses and the sacrifices made for our country by individuals and 
military entities.
  The Armed Forces has greatly contributed to our nation, and it is 
only right they we demonstrate our support, appreciation, and gratitude 
for their service to our nation. I urge my colleagues to support this 
important resolution, and I extend a personal thank-you to those in the 
Armed Services. I hope that you all know your worth and to extend that 
you contribute to our country.


                                 TEXAS

  In the Iraq War, Texas has suffered over 222 resident casualties, 
second only to California. As a Representative for the 18th District of 
Texas, H. Res. 377 is very close to the hearts of those I represent. 
Many Texans hold a passion for protecting the integrity and strength of 
their nation, and as the recruitment numbers show, they often exercise 
their passion by joining the military. In past studies, Texas has been 
the number one state for military recruitment; therefore, recognition 
of military involvement is an important issue in Texas and in Houston.
  Texas is home to more than 194,965 military personnel including a 
number of Army, Navy and Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases. H. 
Res. 377 will encourage the citizens of Texas to reach out to those who 
are involved with the military and extend their gratitude for all that 
they do for our nation. Because there is a large population of military 
personnel in Texas, it is critical that we show them the support of 
their nation and their state for all the positive contributions they 
have brought. I firmly believe that H. Con. Res. 84 is a positive step 
for the recognition, acknowledgement, and gratitude that should be 
given to our military personnel, and I hope to see the National 
Military Appreciation Month become a special time for the state of 
Texas to recognize the national contributions.

                          ____________________