Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate today unanimously passed a resolution (S.Res.349) authored by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to pay tribute to the members of United States Armed Forces who served in Iraq and their families. After almost nine years of war, nearly 4,500 Americans gave their lives in support of operations in Iraq – and more than 30,000 were wounded. The Pentagon declared an official end to the United States’ military mission in Iraq on Thursday.
“With the war in Iraq behind us, and with the holidays approaching, it is fitting for the Senate to honor our servicemembers and their families, and reflect on their dedication and commitment,” said Whitehouse. “Our servicemembers in Iraq performed brilliantly in a highly complex and challenging environment, and did everything that was asked of them and more to meet the requirements of the mission. As they return home, we thank them for their service and we honor the memory of those lost.”
Since taking office in 2007, Whitehouse has been a vocal advocate for bringing our troops home as quickly as possible.
The full text of the resolution is below.
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S.Res.349:
Commemorating and honoring the service and sacrifice of members of the United States Armed Forces and their families as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close.
Whereas nearly 1.5 million members of the United States Armed Forces served in Iraq, many serving on multiple deployments.
Whereas the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in support of operations in Iraq performed brilliantly in a highly complex and challenging environment, and did everything that was asked of them and more to meet the requirements of the mission.
Whereas thousands of members of the National Guard and Reserves left their civilian jobs and livelihoods to support operations in Iraq, making enormous contributions and serving with distinction.
Whereas nearly 4,500 members of the United States Armed Forces made the ultimate sacrifice in giving their lives in support of operations in Iraq.
Whereas more than 30,000 members of the United States Armed Forces were wounded serving in support of operations in Iraq.
Whereas families of the members of the United States Armed Forces serving in Iraq endured repeated deployments and spent many holidays, birthdays and anniversaries apart.
Whereas after nearly nine years of combat, we welcome home our veterans and continue to support members of the United States Armed Forces deployed in Afghanistan and elsewhere in the world.
Whereas Iraq’s destiny and future development now lies with its people.
Whereas the people of the United States recognize the service and sacrifices made by those members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans, as well as their families: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate That the Senate–
(1) pays tribute to the members of the United States Armed Forces who served in support of operations in Iraq.
(2) calls on the people of the United States to reflect on the service of those members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and their families, and honor their sacrifices.
(3) commemorates and honors the contributions made by members of the United States Armed forces and their families, as the official combat mission in Iraq draws to a close.
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