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106TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION S. J. RES. 46

Commemorating the 225th Birthday of the United States Army.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

JUNE 6, 2000

Mr. THURMOND introduced the following joint resolution; which was read

twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

JOINT RESOLUTION

Commemorating the 225th Birthday of the United States

Army.

Whereas on June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress, representing the citizens of 13 American colonies,

authorized the establishment of the Continental Army;

Whereas the collective expression of the pursuit of personal

freedom that caused the authorization and organization

of the United States Army led to our Nation’s Declaration of Independence and the codification of our basic

principles and values in the Constitution of the United

States;

Whereas for the past 225 years, our Army’s central purpose

has been to fight and win wars that were typically fought

and won on distant, foreign battlefields, while at home,

the Army provided for the Nation’s security;
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Whereas whatever the mission, the Nation turns to its Army

for decisive victory, regardless of whether those are measured in the defeat of foreign Army forces or the timely

delivery of humanitarian assistance at home or abroad;

Whereas the 172 battle streamers carried on the Army’s flag

are testament to the valor, commitment, and sacrifice of

those who have served and fought under its banner;

Whereas Valley Forge, New Orleans, Mexico City, Gettysburg, Verdun, Bataan, Normandy, Pusan, Ia Drang Valley, Grenada, Panama, and Kuwait are but a few of the

places where American soldiers have won extraordinary

distinction and respect for our Nation and our Army;

Whereas ‘‘Duty, Honor, Country’’ are more than mere words,

they are the creed by which the American soldier lives

and serves;

Whereas while no one can predict the cause, location, or magnitude of future battles, there is one certainty—American

soldiers of character, selflessly serving the Nation, will

continue to be the credentials of our Army;

Whereas the Army is prepared to answer the Nation’s call,

and such calls have been increasing in number and disparity in recent years;

Whereas the threats are less distinct and less predictable

than the past, but more complex and just as real and

dangerous;

Whereas our Army, the world’s most capable and respected

ground force, is in the midst of an unparalleled transformation as it prepares for the new challenges of the

next century and a different world;
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Whereas future forces will be prepared to conduct quick, decisive, highly sophisticated operations anywhere, anytime;

and

Whereas our Army will be ready to fight and win our Nation’s call to service at home and abroad: Now, therefore,

be it

1 Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives

2 of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

3 That Congress—

4 (1) recognizes the valor, commitment, and sac5 rifice that American soldiers have made throughout

6 the history of the Nation;

7 (2) commends the United States Army and

8 American soldiers for 225 years of selfless service;

9 and

10 (3) calls upon the President to issue a procla11 mation recognizing the 225th birthday of the United

12 States Army and calling upon the people of the

13 United States to observe that anniversary with ap14 propriate ceremonies and activities.

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