Thomas Daschle: “Over the past 4 years, as we have watched the heroism of our men and women in uniform, our Nation has gained a new…”

“Over the past 4 years, as we have watched the heroism of our men and women in uniform, our Nation has gained a new awareness for the service and sacrifice of American soldiers. In communities all across our country, Americans are praying for the safe return of loved ones serving abroad. They are sending letters and care packages and small reminders of home. But they are counting the days until they can show the thanks they feel and our soldiers deserve face to face. Few values bring Americans more closely together than our gratitude and respect for the men and women who serve in uniform to protect us. And today, all America is united in gratitude for the service of our Armed Forces and for the many sacrifices their families must make to accommodate their absence. Regrettably, there are troubling signs that the tremendous burdens we have placed on their shoulders have begun to come at a cost. In recent weeks, we have learned that the National Guard and Reserves are having difficulty recruiting and retaining enough soldiers to defend our country.”