South Charleston Recognized for 50th Annual Armed Forces Day
Press Release
The U.S. Senate last night unanimously passed a resolution (S.Res. 146), introduced by Senator Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) and cosponsored by Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), which commends South Charleston, West Virginia, for celebrating its 50th annual Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2009, and for honoring the selfless dedication and bravery of the men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.
Armed Forces Day was established on August 31, 1949, following the consolidation of the military services of the United States into the Department of Defense (DOD). To build unity within the DOD, each service agreed to take part in a new, all-inclusive, Armed Forces Day.
"South Charleston has been celebrating Armed Forces Day continuously for 50 years now, and I am pleased that the Senate has honored and recognized them for their remembrance of all those who have served," Byrd said. "Far too many of us get so caught up in our own daily lives that we fail to stop and remember those who have fought so bravely over the years to allow us to live in this great democracy. We should all follow South Charleston's lead and join every year in remembering those who have sacrificed for our freedom."
The text of the resolution approved by the Senate follows:
S. RES 146
Commending South Charleston, West Virginia, for celebrating its 50th annual Armed Forces Day on May 16, 2009.
Whereas Americans appreciate the courage, loyalty, and sacrifice of every individual who serves in the Armed Forces of the United States;
Whereas Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May to honor those Americans serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard;
Whereas Armed Forces Day was established on August 31, 1949, following the consolidation of the military services of the United States into the Department of Defense;
Whereas Armed Forces Day is celebrated with parades, open houses, receptions, and air shows around the Nation;
and Whereas on May 16, 2009, South Charleston, West Virginia, will observe its 50th annual Armed Forces Day with a parade, music, and other entertainment:
Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate commends South Charleston, West Virginia, for conducting Armed Forces Day celebrations for 50 consecutive years and for honoring the selfless dedication and bravery of the men and women of the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
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