Senator John Hoeven announced Oct. 18 that a resolution he introduced to continue honoring the nation’s deployed service men and women with a Day of the Deployed has unanimously passed in the Senate.
Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in 2006 while serving as Governor of North Dakota and spearheaded the effort to bring the initiative to the national level this year.
The resolution calls on all Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s deployed service members and to offer support to their loved ones.
“Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation,” said Hoeven. “A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service.”
On Oct. 26, 2006, then-Gov. Hoeven launched the first Day of the Deployed in support of Soldiers’ Angels, a nonprofit organization that aids deployed American military personnel and their families. The effort spread, and in 2010, 40 states had proclaimed a Day of the Deployed.
“Working with John Hoeven on Day of the Deployed since 2006 in North Dakota has been an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families,” said Shelle Michaels, Soldiers’ Angels Deputy Director of Development. “Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them.”
“More than 2 million Americans currently serve in the Unites States Armed Forces,” Michaels continued. “These men and women are making great scarifies to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.”
“I encourage people in North Dakota and across our nation to take a moment to recognize and celebrate America’s heroes – our men and women in uniform,” said Sen. Kent Conrad, a co-sponsor of the resolution. “They deserve our support and the thanks of a grateful nation.”
Currently, more than 2.27 million people serve as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those in the active Guard and Reserve components, with thousands of members deployed each year to 150 countries around the world.
The resolution calls on Americans to reflect on the service of the nation’s soldiers and encourages ceremonies and activities on Oct. 26 to mark the Day of the Deployed.
RESOLUTION
SRES 295 ATS
112th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 295
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
October 17, 2011
Mr. HOEVEN (for himself, Mr. CONRAD, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. ISAKSON, Mr. BLUNT, and Mr. BOOZMAN) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to
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RESOLUTION
Designating October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed’.
Whereas more than 2,270,000 people serve as members of the United States Armed Forces;
Whereas several hundred thousand members of the Armed Forces rotate each year through deployments to 150 countries in every region of the world;
Whereas more than 2,300,000 members of the Armed Forces have deployed to the area of operations of the United States Central Command since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks;
Whereas the United States is kept strong and free by the loyal military personnel who protect our precious heritage through their positive declaration and actions;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces serving at home and abroad have courageously answered the call to duty to defend the ideals of the United States and to preserve peace and freedom around the world;
Whereas members of the Armed Forces personify the virtues of patriotism, service, duty, courage, and sacrifice;
Whereas the families of members of the Armed Forces make important and significant sacrifices for the United States;
Whereas North Dakota began honoring the members of the Armed Forces and their families by designating October 26 as `Day of the Deployed’ in 2006 ; and
Whereas 40 States designated October 26, 2010, as `Day of the Deployed’: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate–
(1) honors the members of the United States Armed Forces who are deployed;
(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service of those members of the United States Armed Forces, wherever they serve, past, present, and future;
(3) designates October 26, 2011, as `Day of the Deployed’; and
(4) encourages the people of the United States to observe `Day of the Deployed’ with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
