Sheila Jackson Lee: “Earlier this morning, in fact just a few minutes ago, I spoke on the tribute that Americans will give to their fallen…”

“Earlier this morning, in fact just a few minutes ago, I spoke on the tribute that Americans will give to their fallen this coming Monday, sadly so, but with joy and appreciation for the bravery of those who sacrificed their lives and their families. Today I rise with an amendment supported by my colleague and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Johnson, to ask support for an amendment that can bring all us together, the designation of a national day of honor to celebrate the members of the Armed Services who will be returning from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan and other combat areas. This national day of honor would recognize the enormous sacrifice and invaluable service that those phenomenal men and women have undertaken to protect our freedom and share the gift of democracy in other parts of the world. How many of us have stopped to say ``thank you'' to a soldier walking alone in an airport, maybe having made a travel of millions of miles, thousands upon thousands of miles, to find himself or herself in their rural hamlet or urban center coming home. They have come home over the years, and they have come home not seeking glory or appreciation. That's our men and women. The men and women of the United States military and intelligence community who helped bring Osama bin Laden didn't ask for applause and appreciation.…”