[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 22]
[Senate]
[Page 30827]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 343--EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE THAT THE WEEK 
 OF DECEMBER 19, 2005 SHOULD BE DESIGNATED ``THANK OUR DEFENDERS WEEK''

  Mr. SESSIONS submitted the following resolution; which was considered 
and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 343

       Whereas, ever since our Nation was founded, the members of 
     our military, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard 
     personnel, active duty, Guard, and reserve, have played a 
     critical role protecting America's vital interests and 
     spreading peace throughout the world;
       Whereas, more than 193,000 troops in the Persian Gulf 
     region are courageously fighting insurgents and helping to 
     establish democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan;
       Whereas, 19,000 servicemen and servicewomen are stationed 
     in Afghanistan, fighting Al-Qaeda and providing security for 
     the people of that fledgling nation;
       Whereas, over 30,000 troops are protecting American 
     interests and maintaining peace on the Korean peninsula;
       Whereas, in total, nearly 300,000 brave men and women are 
     actively serving on the soil of 120 foreign countries and on 
     the High Seas, fighting terrorists and making sacrifices for 
     American citizens and families; and
       Whereas, thanks to their tireless efforts, a brutal 
     dictatorship in Iraq and an oppressive regime in Afghanistan 
     have given way to emerging democratic societies: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That with gratitude it is the sense of the Senate 
     that the week of December 19, 2005 should be designated 
     ``Thank Our Defenders Week.''

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