Recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month.

Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Government Reform

Recognizing and honoring the United States Armed Forces and supporting the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month.

Whereas the vigilance of the members of the Armed Forces has been instrumental to the preservation of the freedom, security, and prosperity enjoyed by the people of the United States;

Whereas 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;

Whereas the role of the United States as a world leader requires a military force that is well-trained, well-equipped, and appropriately sized;

Whereas to maintain such a force, the youth of the United States must possess a commitment to military service sufficient to achieve the levels of recruitment and retention necessary to sustain the strength, vitality, and character of the Armed Forces;

Whereas to foster and sustain such a commitment it is vital for the youth of the United States to understand that the service provided by members of the Armed Forces is an honorable legacy that protects the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of the United States as well as citizens of many other nations;

Whereas the Federal Government has a responsibility to raise awareness of and respect for this aspect of the heritage of the United States and to encourage the people of the United States to dedicate themselves to the values and principles for which Americans have served and sacrificed throughout the history of the Nation;

Whereas service in the Armed Forces entails special hazards and demands extraordinary sacrifices from service members and their families;

Whereas the support of the families of service members enhances the effectiveness and capabilities of the Armed Forces;

Whereas the observance of events recognizing the contributions of the Armed Forces is a tangible and highly effective way of sustaining morale and improving quality of life for service members and their families;

Whereas on April 30, 1999, the Senate passed S. Res. 33 (106th Congress), entitled `Designating May 1999 as `National Military Appreciation Month', calling on the people of the United States, in a symbolic act of unity, to observe a National Military Appreciation Month in May 1999, to honor the current and former members of the Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom and peace; and

Whereas it is important to emphasize to the people of the United States the relevance of the history and activities of the Armed Forces through an annual National Military Appreciation Month that includes associated local and national observances and activities: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) supports the designation of a National Military Appreciation Month;

(2) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States, all Federal departments and agencies, States, localities, organizations and media to annually observe a National Military Appreciation Month with appropriate ceremonies and activities; and

(3) urges the White House Commission on Remembrance, established by Congress to honor those who died in service to the United States and those who continue to serve the Nation, to work to support the goals and objectives of a National Military Appreciation Month.

COSPONSORS