Ellen Tauscher: “I applaud the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for this resolution. I think that all of us find ourselves in the 20th…”

“I applaud the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) for this resolution. I think that all of us find ourselves in the 20th century in a time of asymmetrical warfare, unidentified enemies, and very troubling times. I think that it is very emblematic of a country that has been the shining beacon of freedom to have a volunteer military. Unlike the Second World War, before we were born, when many, many of our fighting men and women came from our neighborhoods, we have a small military right now, one that is, I think, the best in the world, but is not necessarily represented in every community. I think that anonymity has created a lack of support for military families who find themselves disconnected in many ways, and unappreciated. I think that the resolution of the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watts) is a good way for us to reknit together the community of Americans; to find a way to recognize those families that have provided our fighting men and women; and to give them a sense of support, a sense of pride, and a sense of the ability to recognize them. So I am really encouraging my colleagues to vote for this resolution. I think it is very timely.”