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“Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard”. Those are the words of President John F. Kennedy as he drove home the point just how important the Armed Forces are to protecting and maintaining the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United States.
America has been observing Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May since 1950 when President Harry S Truman proclaimed it in a speech praising the work of services at home and across the seas saying the Armed Forces are vital to the security of the nation and establishment of a desirable peace.
The theme of that first Armed Forces Day 56 years ago was “Teamed for Defense” to express having all the military services unified under one department. Then, as now, it was not just a day to pay tribute to those who are serving but it was a way to help educate civilians about the military.
Now, with an all volunteer military that touches fewer and fewer civilian lives directly, it is especially important not only to honor those who are wearing the uniform but to heighten public awareness about what they do.
Members of the Armed Forces can be called upon at a moment’s notice to leave their families behind while they perform dangerous missions for freedom and country. They give generously of their time to train physically and mentally so they will prevail in any mission they face including the war on terrorism.
Our Armed Forces must remain the world’s premier fighting force. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and ranking member of the Sub-Committee on Personnel, it is my job to make sure our military is well equipped. When we, as a Nation, send our troops into harms way we have a tremendous responsibility to make certain they have all they need not only to win the war but to be as safe as possible while so doing.
With troops fighting on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan, earlier this month the Senate voted 78 to 20 to pass an emergency supplemental measure to pay for costs associated with the war, among other things. It was difficult to understand how 20 of my colleagues could vote against it. Some other colleagues had slipped some unrelated earmarked spending into the measure and they will certainly need to answer to their constituents for toying with a sensitive measure like this.
A small minority of Senators sought to politicize the issue and vote against the measure claiming it was fiscally responsible to do so.
I say it was irresponsible not to vote for the bill. The vote came down to a choice between supporting our troops or not supporting our troops as they fight terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan and help to provide border security. Currently, there are some 1600 Nebraskans serving in theater. I could not turn my back on our troops by voting against giving them body armor, armored humvees, and other equipment they need to be safe and fulfill their duties so they can return home.
I can’t say it anymore plainly than this; the troops should never be used to score political points! Our troops are fighting for us and I will continue fighting for them in Washington. To do less would be shameful.
As we observe Armed Forces Day 2006 on the third Saturday in May, it is a good reminder for all of us that support from home is essential to keeping are troops at peak level. My hope is that our appreciation for these men and women and all that they do will not be limited to just a few special days, but that they will be in our thoughts and prayers all year long.
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