WHEREAS, On December 7, 2001, the 60th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Senator Max Cleland introduced new legislation (S. 1785) that “urges the President to establish the White House Commission on National Military Appreciation Month” to promote the observance of that month and other military commemorative events, to encourage participation through the establishment of the Spirit of America Alliance, and to provide the necessary incentives for federal, state, and local governments and private sector entities to sponsor and participate in programs initiated by the commission. Among other things, S. 1785 found the following:

“(1) The vigilance of the United States Armed Forces, past and present, has been instrumental to the preservation of the freedom, security, and prosperity that the United States enjoys.

(2) The vigilance and capabilities of the United States Armed Forces depend on the dedicated service of its members, their families, and the civilian employees of the Department of Defense and United States Coast Guard.

(3) The role of the United States as a world leader, and the global scope that this role imparts to our Nation’s interests, requires a military force that is well-trained, well-equipped, and appropriately sized.

(4) It is important for the relevance of the history and activities of the United States Armed Forces to be emphasized to current and future citizens of the United States through an annual National Military Appreciation Month that includes associated local and national observances and activities”; and

WHEREAS, On December 7, 1941, just before 8 a.m. on a Sunday morning, the first wave of bombers began the attack on Pearl Harbor that led the United States into World War II. It was an unforgettable day for those who lived through it, one which called America forth to defend itself, and in so doing, inspired a generation of Americans to rise and lead the defense of freedom around the world; and

WHEREAS, On September 11, 2001, America was attacked again, and for only the second time in modern history, American blood was shed on American soil by a foreign foe. Most of the casualties of this most recent attack were civilians, a reflection of the many ways in which the world has changed since 1941. Once again, a generation of Americans has been called to rise to the defense of our way of life-this time not against an aggressor nation but against the global terrorist networks that have targeted us; and

WHEREAS, The American military has been essential in responding to this latest attack; and

WHEREAS, As a nation, we cannot afford to forget the price of our freedom. Maintaining our military and our readiness is one of the keys to our freedom; and

WHEREAS, Through national, regional, and local activities National Military Appreciation Month recognizes our nation’s military-active duty, National Guard and Reserve, retired veterans, and those who gave their lives for their country and the freedoms we all enjoy today; now, therefore, be it