1

Senate Resolution

2

A resolution expressing gratitude and support for the men

3

and women of the United States military serving in the

4

Global War on Terror and recognizing June 16, 2008, as

5

"Vets for Victory Day" in the State of Florida.

6

7

     WHEREAS, almost 2 million American men and women serving in

8

the United States military as active-duty members of the United

9

States Armed Forces, members of the National Guard, and military

10

reservists are on duty around the world, charged with the

11

responsibility of protecting the United States, its citizens, and

12

our interests and allies, and

13

     WHEREAS, many of these servicemembers are currently engaged

14

in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting the "Global War on

15

Terror," and

16

     WHEREAS, over 125,000 men and women from Florida have served

17

in the military in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War

18

on Terror, and

19

     WHEREAS, over 28,000 American troops have been wounded in

20

combat in Iraq since March 19, 2003, while more than 3,800 others

21

have made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service

22

to their country, and

23

     WHEREAS, all members of the United States military who are

24

engaged in fighting the Global War on Terror do so with

25

considerable personal sacrifice, which often includes long

26

separations from their families, and

27

     WHEREAS, the Armed Forces of the United States continue to

28

protect all Americans, the interests of our nation, and our

29

allies from those who are our avowed enemies and, in doing so,

30

need and deserve our complete respect and support, NOW,

31

THEREFORE,

32

33

Be It Resolved by the Senate of the State of Florida:

34

35

     That the Florida Senate declares its complete and unwavering

36

support for the American men and women serving in the United

37

States military as active-duty members of the United States Armed

38

Forces, members of the National Guard, and military reservists,

39

both around the world and here at home, and for their mission in

40

conducting the Global War on Terror.

41

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, on behalf of the people of the

42

State of Florida, the Florida Senate affirms that we will not

43

abandon our servicemen and servicewomen in this time of war and

44

pledges its full support to them and to their efforts to secure

45

victory.

46

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, on behalf of the people of the

47

State of Florida, the Florida Senate expresses its deepest

48

gratitude and heartfelt pride for the sacrifices and bravery of

49

our servicemen and servicewomen both at home and abroad and

50

expresses its utmost gratitude for their heroic service to the

51

United States of America.

52

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in recognition of their service

53

to the nation, the Florida Senate recognizes June 16, 2008, as

54

"Vets for Victory Day" in the State of Florida.

55

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, with

56

the Seal of the Senate affixed, be transmitted to the President

57

of the United States, to the President of the United States

58

Senate, to the Speaker of the United States House of

59

Representatives, to the United States Secretary of Defense, to

60

the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to each member

61

of the Florida delegation to the United States Congress, to the

62

Governor of the State of Florida, and to the Executive Director

63

of the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, as a tangible

64

token of the sentiments of the Florida Senate.