[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12079]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            ARMED FORCES DAY

  Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor our military 
personnel on the occasion of Armed Forces Day.
  As a veteran of the Marine Corps, I believe one of the most important 
things a person can do is serve this great country through the 
military. Our nation must honor those who take up the call to defend 
our freedoms and never take for granted those freedoms that all of us 
enjoy. These freedoms are only because of our veterans and military 
personnel.
  Our active military forces have seen a lot of action as of late. The 
Guard and Reserve components have seen an increase in their operations 
as well. The performance of our military men and women has been 
outstanding. In my home State of Montana, as many as 750 men and women, 
Active Duty, Reservists and National Guard Personnel are supporting our 
ongoing operations, both in the United States and overseas. I am 
especially proud of these folks that have stepped up to the plate and 
have gone above and beyond the call to duty during these trying times.
  Our military has performed honorably in the latest missions with 
which they have been tasked--the Global War on Terrorism, Operation 
Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. We have seen Americans 
coming together to support these men and women and their families at 
home.
  The men and women who wear our country's uniform are the keepers of 
the flame that has been passed down through generations. They are the 
bearers of our national memory. Each and every veteran and military 
member understands that the cost of freedom is steep. They were willing 
to accept that cost, so that we may live in peace. Arlington National 
Cemetery and veterans' cemeteries across this great land are full of 
those who understand that ``freedom is not free.'' My thoughts and 
prayers go out to their loved ones for their loss.
  I will continue to do my best to ensure that the United States 
military has the tools, skills and support needed to maintain its 
position as the finest fighting force in the world. I will also work to 
ensure that our veterans receive the benefits that they so richly 
deserve. It is because of their sacrifices each and every one of us are 
able to be here today.
  God Bless our Military Personnel and God Bless America.

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