[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 74 (Thursday, May 14, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1176]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ARMED FORCES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. PHIL GINGREY

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 13, 2009

  Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my 
strongest support for H. Res. 377, a bill that recognizes Armed Forces 
Day and commends the exemplary service of the members of the United 
States Armed Services. I would like to say a special thanks to Chairman 
Skelton and Ranking Member McHugh, as well as to the Members and staff 
of the House Armed Services Committee for their tireless efforts in 
support of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who are bravely 
defending us at home and abroad.
  Today, it is appropriate that we take a moment to recognize and say 
thank you to the members of our Armed Forces for their dedication, 
sacrifice, and honor. Each and every day, they keep this great nation 
safe and protect the freedoms that we enjoy every single day. We are 
proud of all of our servicemen and women and are eternally grateful for 
their efforts in the Global War on Terror. Furthermore, let us not 
forget those who have given their lives in service to our freedom, and 
let us say a gracious thank you to them for their willingness to make 
the ultimate sacrifice for liberty.
  Madam Speaker, the families of those who serve our country on the 
front lines also deserve the admiration and appreciation of each and 
every citizen. These family members often watch their loved ones travel 
to far away lands in support of a cause and an ideal so much greater 
than any one individual. Indeed, our democratic form of government is 
testament to the courage and valor of our Armed Forces. The support 
given to our servicemen and women by their loved ones is irreplaceable, 
as it is the foundation for the bravery inherent in those who labor 
steadfastly in the defense of liberty.
  I believe that the brave men and women who sacrifice for our present 
freedoms deserve our fullest support. Our nation's servicemen and women 
represent the best our country has to offer, and they must be treated 
with the respect and honor they deserve. As we ask these courageous 
soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines--and their families--to do more 
and more, it's only right we continue doing all we can for them. 
Recognizing Armed Forces Day in 2009 is just one small reminder of the 
superior job our troops perform for America at home and abroad, and it 
is my hope that we will continue to do all we can and more for the 
members of our Armed Forces.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

                          ____________________