[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 9]
[House]
[Pages 12378-12380]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING ARMED FORCES DAY

  Mr. MASSA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to 
the resolution (H. Res. 377) recognizing Armed Forces Day and the 
exemplary service of the members of the United States Armed Forces.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 377

       Whereas Armed Forces Day was created in 1949 in connection 
     with the consolidation of the military services in the 
     Department of Defense;
       Whereas the purpose of Armed Forces Day is to honor the men 
     and women who are serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, 
     Air Force, and Coast Guard, including the National Guard and 
     Reserve components;
       Whereas Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third 
     Saturday in May, which this year is May 16, 2009;
       Whereas members of the Armed Forces have performed 
     tremendous service on behalf of the United States;
       Whereas members of the Armed Forces have been killed and 
     injured in operations to bring peace and stability in the 
     name of democracy; and
       Whereas all Americans express their recognition and 
     gratitude for members of the Armed Forces at home and abroad: 
     Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives, on the 
     occasion of Armed Forces Day 2009--
       (1) honors and recognizes the service and sacrifice that 
     members of the Armed Forces and their families gave, and 
     continue to give, to the United States;
       (2) remains committed to supporting the members of the 
     Armed Forces and their families;
       (3) encourages Americans to show their support and 
     appreciation for members of the Armed Forces on Armed Forces 
     Day;
       (4) commends the actions of private citizens and 
     organizations who volunteer to support America's wounded 
     warriors; and
       (5) expresses the gratitude of the American people to the 
     members of the Armed Forces for their service on behalf of 
     the United States.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Massa) and the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Fleming), each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York.


                             General Leave

  Mr. MASSA. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 
legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the 
resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MASSA. I yield myself as much time as I might consume. Madam 
Speaker, Armed Forces Day was established to recognize the men and 
women serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast 
Guard. I rise today to urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 
377, honoring the exemplary service of the men and women of the United 
States Armed Forces.
  The armed services have performed with dedication and bravery on 
behalf of the United States of America, and they have been killed or 
injured in conflicts and operations around the world in order to bring 
peace and stability in the name of democracy. Armed Forces Day 
recognizes the sacrifices that the Armed Forces and their families have 
given and continue to give to the United States of America.
  This resolution shows that the House of Representatives remains 
committed to supporting the members of the Armed Forces and their 
families. It encourages all Americans to show their support and 
appreciation for the brave Americans and their families. We also 
commend those citizens whose organizations volunteer to support our 
servicemembers and their families at home and abroad.
  Those who wear the uniform of our military services deserve our honor 
and great respect. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for all other 
Americans to display their pride and appreciation for this noble and 
selfless service. So I now call upon Members of this great House to 
join me in supporting this resolution, thereby expressing our common 
pride and regard for our military on behalf of a grateful Nation.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLEMING. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 377, which 
recognizes Armed Forces Day, May 16, and the exemplary service of the 
members of the armed services. I want to commend my colleagues, 
Congressmen Ken Calvert and Neil Abercrombie, for sponsoring it.
  Today we are a Nation at war, with more than 2,750,000 men and women 
in uniform and more than 270,000 deployed worldwide. The men and women 
of today's armed services are all volunteers and have willingly, 
professionally, competently and unselfishly met every challenge this 
Nation has presented to them. In meeting those challenges, many have 
died and more have been wounded and injured.
  These magnificent men and women come not only from the active 
components of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, 
but also from our hometown communities as members of the National Guard 
and the other Reserve components. Their commitment to this Nation and 
to their services can be measured in many ways. But I believe there is 
no better evidence of their patriotism and commitment to the defense of 
America than their astounding willingness to re-enlist and continue 
serving. Today, such re-enlistment decisions are made

[[Page 12379]]

with the knowledge that it will mean repeat tours of duty in war zones 
where death and injury are potential outcomes.
  Nevertheless, the most re-enlistment data continues a trend that has 
existed since September 11, 2001. For example, as of the end of March 
this year, Army re-enlistments for this year ranged from 111 percent to 
114 percent of goal. Marine Corps and re-enlistments range from 197 
percent to 204 percent of goal.
  When Armed Forces Day was created in 1949, its purpose was to 
establish a time when all Americans could reflect on and honor the 
service of the men and women of the Armed Forces. This week, Armed 
Forces Day will be celebrated on May 16. On that day, I would urge my 
colleagues to reflect on the extraordinary service rendered not only by 
those who have previously served, but also of those who now are 
committed to making this Nation safe. On that day and every day, I 
would also urge my colleagues to take the time to individually thank 
every previous and current member of the armed services they encounter 
for their service.
  I heartily recommended that all my colleagues vote ``yes'' on this 
resolution.
  Mr. MASSA. I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLEMING. Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Calvert of 
California for such time as he may consume.
  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 377, 
which honors and recognizes Armed Forces Day on May 16. Over the course 
of our Nation's history, generations of Americans have made tremendous 
sacrifices to protect the freedoms we hold dear. And we honor these 
courageous Americans on Armed Forces Day and throughout the month of 
May.
  Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognize our troops and their 
families, as well as rededicate ourselves to the promises our Nation 
has made to repay their service and sacrifice. When we make our 
promises to our troops, we must keep them, for they most certainly have 
kept their commitment to the American people.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 377 and to 
declare to all U.S. servicemembers that we stand with them. When the 
call of duty sounded, they did not hesitate to answer. Let us not 
hesitate in our support of all those brave men and women of the United 
States Armed Forces.

                              {time}  1615

  Mr. FLEMING. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. MASSA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, it is with a particular honor that I have been asked 
to rise to introduce this legislation, remembering in my own life story 
the excitement of a 17-year-old young man as that individual entered 
the United States Naval Academy; and reflecting upon a, frankly, long, 
30-year journey that has brought me here today in this great House to 
call upon my fellow colleagues to join me in recognizing the millions 
of Americans who have now followed the veterans who have joined me now 
out of the armed services. It is right and just as a son of a military 
member, as the brother of a military member, as the colleague of so 
many veterans of this great body, it fills me with emotion and clarity 
of eye and thought to imagine that that 17-year-old young man could 
journey so far as to be here today to call upon all Americans to honor 
all those in service and in uniform around the world. It is a 
tremendous honor to bring this resolution to the floor of the House of 
Representatives. I close my remarks on that note.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Madam Speaker, the 34th President of the United 
States, Dwight Eisenhower, said that ``it is fitting and proper that we 
devote one day each year to pay special tribute to those whose 
constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the 
freedom of this nation and the peace of the free world.''
  I agree, Madam Speaker, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of this 
resolution.
  Fifty-nine years ago we began the tradition of honoring the Armed 
Forces on the third Saturday of May as the national Armed Forces Day.
  Before 1950 there were individual holidays in honor of each of the 
five branches of the military--Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and 
Coast Guard.
  President Truman established this single holiday to honor the 
servicemembers of all branches as an act of unity after the Department 
of Defense was created.
  There are several purposes for celebrating Armed Forces Day--
educating the public on the jobs and role of the military, exhibiting 
the military's state of the art equipment, and most importantly for 
acknowledging the people who serve our country in the Armed Forces.
  Today 1.5 million people are on active duty in the U.S. military. In 
addition, 850,000 men and women serve in the seven reserve and guard 
divisions--Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Forces Reserve, 
Navy Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard 
Reserve.
  These brave folks serve our country all over the world at 820 
different military installations.
  About 140,000 servicemembers are stationed in Iraq and 56,000 are in 
Afghanistan.
  This special day is celebrated every year with parades, military 
reenactments, air shows, and open houses at military bases.
  The theme for this year's Armed Forces Day is ``United in Strength.''
  United indeed, Madam Speaker. ``From this day to the ending of the 
world, we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of 
brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my 
brother.''
  Shakespeare penned this quote in Henry V. It represents the unfailing 
commitment and spirit of unity a military member has with his fellow 
warriors.
  I am a very proud cosponsor of this measure and urge all Americans to 
offer their thanks to our military members who boldly defend our 
democratic freedoms at home and abroad.
  And that's just the way it is.
  Ms. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of 
H. Res. 377, which observes this Saturday's Armed Forces Day and 
celebrates the courageous service of our men and women in uniform.
  Our fighting men and women in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps 
and Coast Guard, whether on active duty, reserve, or serving in the 
National Guard, have been protecting our Nation bravely and honorably 
since before we were even a Nation. They continue to do so today. I 
have just recently returned from the combat zone in Afghanistan, where 
I had the chance to visit with our troops on the frontlines of the 
struggle against global terrorism. I was impressed and moved by their 
commitment as they continue to sacrifice so much to keep us safe and 
free.
  This year, we celebrate Armed Forces Day on May 16. I encourage all 
Americans to take time out of this day to thank those who have risked 
and too often given their lives to preserve freedom and democracy. But 
one day is not nearly enough to recognize all that the members of our 
Armed Forces have done for this country. Every day should be an Armed 
Forces Day, a Memorial Day and a Veterans' Day. We have done great work 
in this Congress to better keep our promises to our service members and 
our Veterans, but we still have much more to do to make sure they 
receive the treatment and respect they have earned.
  In the coming weeks, I will be working to increase access to quality 
physical and mental health care and to great educational opportunities 
for our Veterans. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this 
resolution, but I also urge them to join in my efforts to try to pay 
the eternal debt of gratitude we owe to our fighting men and women.
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of 
H. Res. 377, ``Recognizing Armed Forces Day and the exemplary services 
of the members of the United States Armed Forces.'' This resolution was 
introduced by my distinguished colleague Representative Calvert of 
California. The Armed Forces are an important part of the American 
society, and they deserve a day of admiration during National Military 
Appreciation Month. I am proud to today and offer my support to our 
Armed Forces as I publicly acknowledge their commitment and 
contributions to our country.
  I do not believe there is a person in this House, or a person in this 
building, who does not feel a remarkable pride in the presence of the 
men and women who serve in our nation's military. The success of the 
Armed Forces depends on the dedicated service of its members, their 
families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense and 
the Coast Guard. Their incredible sacrifices and courage in the face of 
innumerable hazards have been critical to the preservation of the 
freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed that we as

[[Page 12380]]

Americans have come to love, enjoy, and even expect.
  Armed Forces Day is an important part of National Military 
Appreciation Month. It is a day to celebrate and appreciate all the 
Armed Forces. The Armed Forces in our country are truly an admirable 
group of individuals who demonstrate the strength, unity, and community 
that the United States stands for. It is important we recognize the 
Armed Forces as individuals and as a group for all that they contribute 
to our great nation.
  H. Res. 377 is essential to demonstrating the Congress's support and 
acknowledgement of such an important day. The Armed Forces are a 
substantial entity of our nation and greatly contributes to our 
strength as a nation on a very real and global level. H. Res. 377 will 
further emphasize this importance, and more importantly, focus on a 
genuine appreciation for all military involvement across the United 
States. To remain as a world leader, the United States must maintain a 
well-trained and well-equipped army. As a Representative of the Federal 
Government, we must encourage the people of the United States to 
recognize the values and principles of our nation which the military 
encompasses and the sacrifices made for our country by individuals and 
military entities.
  The Armed Forces has greatly contributed to our nation, and it is 
only right they we demonstrate our support, appreciation, and gratitude 
for their service to our nation. I urge my colleagues to support this 
important resolution, and I extend a personal thank-you to those in the 
Armed Services. I hope that you all know your worth and to extend that 
you contribute to our country.


                                 TEXAS

  In the Iraq War, Texas has suffered over 222 resident casualties, 
second only to California. As a Representative for the 18th District of 
Texas, H. Res. 377 is very close to the hearts of those I represent. 
Many Texans hold a passion for protecting the integrity and strength of 
their nation, and as the recruitment numbers show, they often exercise 
their passion by joining the military. In past studies, Texas has been 
the number one state for military recruitment; therefore, recognition 
of military involvement is an important issue in Texas and in Houston.
  Texas is home to more than 194,965 military personnel including a 
number of Army, Navy and Marine, Air Force, and Coast Guard bases. H. 
Res. 377 will encourage the citizens of Texas to reach out to those who 
are involved with the military and extend their gratitude for all that 
they do for our nation. Because there is a large population of military 
personnel in Texas, it is critical that we show them the support of 
their nation and their state for all the positive contributions they 
have brought. I firmly believe that H. Con. Res. 84 is a positive step 
for the recognition, acknowledgement, and gratitude that should be 
given to our military personnel, and I hope to see the National 
Military Appreciation Month become a special time for the state of 
Texas to recognize the national contributions.
  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.
  Mr. MASSA. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Massa) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 377.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. FLEMING. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

                          ____________________