III
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. RES. 590
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
June 10, 2008
Mr. Inhofe (for himself, Mr. Akaka, Mrs. Hutchison, and Mr. Hatch) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
RESOLUTION
Celebrating the 233rd birthday of the Army and commending the men and women of the Army as exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.
Whereas, from the first Continental Army under General Washington at Yorktown to the beaches of Normandy, the city streets of Iraq, and the mountains of Afghanistan, the Army has protected and kept the flame of democracy burning brightly;
Whereas the citizens of the United States continue to enjoy the benefits of freedom and democracy because the men and women of the Army have stood through adversity, remained steadfast in the most difficult of circumstances, and bravely fought against the enemies of peace throughout the world;
Whereas the sacrifices of the men and women of the Army inspire and instill great pride in all citizens of the United States;
Whereas the active duty, National Guard, and Reserve components of the Army protect the Nation from our enemies, defend our vital national interests, provide support to civil authorities in response to domestic emergencies, provide ready forces and land force capabilities to the Combatant Commanders in support of the National Security Strategy, and support operations around the world, ranging from peace-time military engagements to major combat operations;
Whereas the Army is successfully performing operations, other than combat operations, including—
supporting the defense of South Korea, Japan, and many other friends, allies, and partners of the United States;
conducting peacekeeping operations in the Sinai Peninsula and the Balkans;
conducting multinational exercises that reflect our longstanding commitments to alliances;
continuing engagements with foreign militaries to build partnerships and preserve coalitions by training and advising their military forces;
participating, most notably by the Army National Guard, in securing the borders of the United States and conducting operations to counter the flow of illegal drugs;
supporting civil authorities in responding to domestic emergencies, including natural disasters and threats at home and abroad;
supporting interagency and multinational partnerships with technical expertise, providing critical support after natural disasters, and promoting regional stability; and
supporting operations to protect against weapons of mass destruction and block their proliferation;
Whereas the accomplishments of the Army are attributable to the men and women of the Army who have demonstrated courage, strength, and versatility and endured countless hardships and made great sacrifices in performing diverse missions worldwide;
Whereas the contributions of Army families should also be recognized, as Army families provide the cornerstone of strength and support for the Nation’s Soldiers and display tremendous commitment and sacrifice to the Nation by providing critical support to their loved ones during prolonged absences;
Whereas the Army has been continuously engaged in persistent combat operations for more than 6 years, has constantly and successfully adapted to ever-changing security environments, has displayed courage, resourcefulness, and resilience in the most grueling conditions, and, while focused on preparing forces and building readiness for counterinsurgency operations and providing stability, security, and hope to the peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan, has taken significant steps toward restoring balance to the all-volunteer, battle-hardened force; and
Whereas those and countless other great accomplishments add to the longstanding tradition of the Army and attest to the extraordinary capability of the men and women who serve the United States in the Army: Now, therefore, be it
That the Senate—
celebrates the 233rd birthday of the Army;
salutes the men and women of the Army and their families;
commends the men and women of the Army as exceptional individuals who live by the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage; and
recognizes that the great men and women of the Army are the reason it continues to stand as the best army in the world and continues to perform extraordinary tasks while upholding its hallowed traditions.