[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 22595]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



  SENATE RESOLUTION 373--RECOGNIZING THE 225TH BIRTHDAY OF THE UNITED 
                              STATES NAVY

  Mr. LUGAR (for himself and Mr. McCain) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services:

                              S. Res. 373

       Whereas on Friday, October 13, 1775, the Continental 
     Congress, representing the citizens of 13 American colonies, 
     passed a resolution which stated ``That a swift sailing 
     vessel, to carry ten carriage guns, and a proportionable 
     number of swivels, with eighty men, be fitted, with all 
     possible dispatch, for a cruise of three months, and that the 
     commander be instructed to cruise eastward, for intercepting 
     such transports as may be laden with warlike stores and other 
     supplies for our enemies, and for such other purposes as the 
     Congress shall direct.'';
       Whereas the founders recognized the essential nature of a 
     Navy to the strength and longevity of the Nation by providing 
     authority to Congress ``To provide and maintain a Navy'' in 
     article I of the Constitution;
       Whereas a Naval Committee was established to build a 
     fitting Navy for our fledgling country, acquire and fit out 
     vessels for sea, and draw up regulations;
       Whereas the Continental Navy began a proud tradition, 
     carried out for 225 years by our United States Navy, to 
     protect our island Nation and pursue the causes of freedom we 
     hold so dear;
       Whereas, for the past 225 years, the central mission of the 
     Navy has been to protect the interests of our Nation around 
     the world on the high seas, to fight and win the wars of our 
     Nation, and to maintain control of the sea lines of 
     communication enabling this Nation and other free nations to 
     grow and prosper;
       Whereas, whether in peace or at war, United States citizens 
     around the world can rest assured that the United States Navy 
     is on watch, ever vigilant, and ready to respond;
       Whereas, for the past 225 years, Navy men and women, as 
     both ambassadors and warriors, have won extraordinary 
     distinction and respect for the Nation and its Navy on the 
     high seas, among the ocean depths, on distant shores, and in 
     the skies above;
       Whereas the core values of ``Honor, Courage, and 
     Commitment'' are the guides by which United States sailors 
     live and serve;
       Whereas the United States Navy today is the most capable, 
     most respected, and most effective sea service in the world;
       Whereas 75 percent of the land masses in the world are 
     bounded by water and 75 percent of the population of the 
     world lives within 100 miles of the sea, assuring that our 
     Naval forces will continue to be called upon to respond to 
     emerging crises, to maintain freedom of the sea, to deter 
     would-be aggressors, and to provide our allies with a visible 
     reassurance of the support of the United States of America; 
     and
       Whereas, no matter what the cause, location, or magnitude 
     of future conflicts, the Nation can rely on its Navy to 
     produce well-trained, well-led, and highly motivated sailors 
     to carry out the missions entrusted to them: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the 225th 
     birthday of the United States Navy;
       (2) expresses the appreciation of the people of the United 
     States to the Navy, and the men and women who have served in 
     the Navy, for 225 years of dedicated service;
       (3) honors the courage, commitment, and sacrifice that 
     Americans have made throughout the history of the Navy; and
       (4) gives special thanks to the extended Navy family of 
     civilians, family members, and loved ones who have served and 
     supported the Navy for the past 225 years.

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