[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 95 (Wednesday, June 23, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING 235TH BIRTHDAY OF U.S. ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. BOB ETHERIDGE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2010

  Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 
286, recognizing the 235th birthday of the United States Army. I rise 
today to commemorate the birthday of the Army, and the service of every 
man and woman who has served our country and kept its citizens safe. 
From the twenty-thousand-man Army first authorized in June of 1775 to 
the more than half a million in the Army today, millions of soldiers 
have sacrificed for our Nation. In addition to recognizing this 
birthday of the Army, I rise to thank and salute all of those in 
uniform, whether in the active forces, the Reserves, or the National 
Guard, and the civilian support staff that makes their missions 
possible. I thank their families as well for the sacrifices they have 
made.
  For more than two centuries, the U.S. Army has protected our borders, 
responded to threats to our homeland, and helped the people of America 
in times of need. I am honored to have served in the U.S. Army, and I 
am proud to represent Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base and their 
surrounding communities.
  Born fully twelve years before the Constitution was written, the Army 
has proven to be our Nation's most enduring institution. North 
Carolina's tradition of military service, patriotism, and respect for 
the military goes back to those earliest days. In fact, the Second 
District's first Representative was an Army veteran, Hugh Williamson. I 
am honored to continue that tradition.
  Even better than ``Happy Birthday'' is ``Welcome Home''. We rejoice 
every time our soldiers return home from their service safely. This 
fall, we anticipate that the entire 82nd Airborne will be home in North 
Carolina for the first time in many years. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating these daily individual returns while we celebrate the 
institution and its history as a whole.
  As we honor this U.S. Army at this significant milestone, we cannot 
forget that there is a greater need for commitments than for 
congratulations. I call on my colleagues who join me today in support 
of this Joint Resolution to also commit to continued support for the 
funding the Army needs for its ongoing missions, and to support for 
TRICARE, mental health care, higher education, and military family 
needs as these heroes return home.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and in 
celebration of the continued success of America's Army.

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