Senate Resolution 500--Honoring Military Children During "National Month of the Military Child"

Floor Speech

SENATE RESOLUTION 500--HONORING MILITARY CHILDREN DURING "NATIONAL MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD'' -- (Senate - April 03, 2008)

Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. BAYH) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services:

S. Res. 500

Whereas more than 2,000,000 men and women are demonstrating their courage and commitment to freedom by serving in the Armed Forces of the United States;

Whereas 46 percent of members of the Armed Forces, when deployed away from their permanent duty stations, leave families with children behind;

Whereas no one feels the effect of deployments more than the children of deployed members of the Armed Forces;

Whereas, as of March 2007, approximately 2,108 children had lost a parent serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom;

Whereas the daily struggles and personal sacrifices of children of members of the Armed Forces too often go unnoticed;

Whereas the children of members of the Armed Forces are a source of pride and honor to the people of the United States and it is fitting that the Nation recognize their contributions and celebrate their spirit;

Whereas the ``National Month of the Military Child'', observed in April each year, recognizes military children for their sacrifices and contributes to demonstrating the Nation's unconditional support for members of the Armed Forces;

Whereas, in addition to Department of Defense programs to support military families and military children, various programs and campaigns have been established in the private sector to honor, support, and thank military children by fostering awareness and appreciation for the sacrifices and the challenges they face; and

Whereas a month-long salute to military children will encourage support for those organizations and campaigns established to provide direct support for military children and families: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate--

(1) joins the Secretary of Defense in honoring the children of members of the Armed Forces and recognizes that those children also share in the burden of protecting the Nation;

(2) urges the people of the United States to join with the military community in observing the ``National Month of the Military Child'' with appropriate ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and thank military children; and

(3) recognizes with great appreciation the contributions made by private-sector organizations that provide resources and assistance to military families and the communities that support them.

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